Türkiye calls on the UN to stop arms supplies to Israel – Russia, Iran and others, a total of 52 countries, supported

On November 2, 2024, Türkiye sent a letter to the UN calling on it to stop arms exports to Israel.

The appeal, signed by 52 countries and two international organizations, aims to “draw attention to the escalation of violence and human rights violations in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel.” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced this at a press conference in Djibouti, emphasizing “the importance of international support in reducing military tensions in the Middle East.”

“We have written a joint letter calling on all countries to stop selling weapons and ammunition to Israel. We submitted this letter, signed by 54 countries, to the UN on November 1.” – he said.

According to Fidan, the signatory countries believe that selling weapons to Israel means “participating in genocide.”

Signatory countries and their political motives

The list of signatories includes Saudi Arabia, China, Iran and Russia, as well as international organizations such as the League of Arab States (LAS) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This composition of countries emphasizes that support comes mainly from Russia's traditional allies and states with problematic economies or political instability.

List of countries that signed Turkey's appeal to the UN demanding to stop arms supplies to Israel:

• Countries of the Middle East and North Africa: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, UAE, Tunisia, Sudan, Yemen, Djibouti, Bahrain, Mauritania, Comoros.
• Asian countries: Russia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, Brunei.
• African countries: Gambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Senegal, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso.
• Latin America and Caribbean: Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile, Mexico, Nicaragua, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Suriname.
• European countries: Norway.
• International organizations: League of Arab States (LAS) and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

This extensive list demonstrates that the appeal was supported not only by countries with an anti-Israel position, but also by states that traditionally depend on the economic and political support of Russia and China.

“The signatories mainly represent countries dependent on the economic and political support of Russia and China, including poor third world states,” note Nanovosti experts.

This initiative highlights the contradictions in the UN, where some countries are trying to “contain” Israel and its military power, while others, primarily Western countries, are on its side, protecting Israel from international isolation and sanctions.

Turkey's arguments and letter demands

The letter emphasizes the need to stop the supply of weapons and ammunition to Israel, since “they can be used in the occupied Palestinian territories and threaten the civilian population.” Türkiye and its allies argue that “arms transfers contribute to increased civilian casualties and violate international norms.”

Türkiye, which has long been critical of Israel, believes that “the UN has an obligation to prevent violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Gaza and other parts of Palestine.” The letter also refers to the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice dated July 19, 2024, which condemns Israel's actions in the occupied territories.

“The escalation of violence in Gaza and other territories is leading to an increase in civilian casualties, especially women and children,” said the appeal, supported by Turkey and 52 countries.

Signatory countries and their geopolitical role

Such support reflects global tensions between countries that side with the West and support Israel, and those that sympathize with the Palestinians and condemn Israeli policies. Many of the states that signed the letter are long-time allies of Russia or China, supporting policies to contain Western influence in the international arena.

Why is this important for Russia and its allies?

Russia and China play an important role in this process, advocating a multipolar world policy and supporting any steps that weaken the influence of the United States and its allies. Türkiye, despite its membership in NATO, has recently demonstrated independence in its decisions, trying to find a balance between the West and eastern countries.

“This initiative highlights the growing divide between countries with pro-Russian and pro-American orientations,” writes Nanovosti.

Possible implications for Israel and international relations

The resolution proposed by Turkey aims to reduce military supplies to Israel, which, if passed, could lead to serious diplomatic consequences and increase Israel's isolation on the world stage. Western countries are likely to block this initiative, but the fact that such a letter appears shows how global criticism of Israel and its military policies is intensifying.

Support for Turkey's initiative by Russia and China is a symbolic challenge to the West and Israel, which also carries certain risks. The deterioration of relations with Israel and its allies could negatively affect the foreign policy and economic ties of those countries that decided to support the resolution.

Conclusion

The initiative by Turkey and its allies to stop arms supplies to Israel shows growing tensions in international relations. The conflicting interests of Russia, China, the Middle East and Western countries continue to deepen, and issues of arms supplies and human rights become the subject of a struggle for influence. The signatories, which include poor Third World countries and Russian allies, reflect the desire of many states to resist Western influence, highlighting divisions in the UN Security Council.

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