Istanbul: Speaking at the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Istanbul, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit criticized Israel's military campaign against Iran, describing it as a blatant disregard for efforts towards a diplomatic solution.

According to Qatar News Agency, Aboul Gheit's speech highlighted that any military targeting of nuclear facilities that results in harm to civilians in or around Iran is unacceptable. He stressed the importance of eliminating nuclear weapons from the Middle East and called on Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The Arab League Secretary-General expressed belief that returning to negotiations is still feasible if there is a unified global political will, similar to past initiatives aimed at resolving the Iranian nuclear program crisis.

Aboul Gheit also emphasized the need to maintain focus on the Palestinian cause amidst current events, pointing out that Palestinians continue to suffer daily atrocities by Israeli occupation forces. He reported that over 140 Palestinians were killed in a single day near aid distribution centers.

He concluded his remarks by urging the international community and the United Nations Security Council to assume responsibility for ending the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation.