Rouhani Calls for Muslim States’ Harsh Response to Israel’s Crimes

“At the Istanbul summit, the Islamic countries must give a firm response to the oppression and crimes against the Palestinian people,” President Rouhani said in a phone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Thursday night.

The Iranian president was referring to the upcoming meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul.

President Rouhani, meantime, slammed the recent relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem al-Quds as a “provocative move”.

Israeli forces killed at least 62 Palestinians and injured over 2,700 others during protests near the Gaza fence on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe), which coincided with Washington’s embassy relocation from Tel Aviv to the Holy Qods.

Hundreds of Palestinians were also wounded as the Israeli forces used snipers, airstrikes, tank fire and tear gas to target the demonstrators.

President Rouhani also pointed to the ongoing embargo of Qatar by the Saudi-led quartet of Arab countries, and said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran considers sanctions on the Qatari nation and government an inappropriate and unjust measure and welcomes the promotion of ties and cooperation with Qatar as a friend and neighboring state.”

He expressed Iran’s solidarity with the Qatari nation and government and welcomed the idea of establishing a joint cooperation commission to promote bilateral relations in all areas.

The Iranian president further underlined the importance of dialogue as the only way for the settlement of disputes.

“Iran is always prepared to discuss regional issues with the Persian Gulf states. However, some countries assume that they should choose a way other than dialogue,” he added.

“No power or superpower can be a substitute for good cooperation among the neighbors in the region,” President Rouhani said.

The Qatari emir, for his part, lauded “friendly and brotherly” ties between Tehran and Doha and expressed gratitude to Iran over its “constructive position” on his country’s standoff with Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Tamim also slammed the relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem al-Quds and Israel’s massacre of protesters in Gaza. He said the OIC summit in Istanbul will serve as a suitable opportunity to discuss the regional issues.

Last June, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the UAE imposed a land, naval and air blockade on import-dependent Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism which was strongly denied by Doha.

The Saudi-led quartet presented Qatar with a list of steep demands and gave it an ultimatum to comply with them or face consequences.

Doha, however, refused to meet the demands and stressed that it would not abandon its independent foreign