Turkish group calls for concrete steps against Israel

By Vedat Yucebas
TEKIRDAG, Turkey (AA) - Muslims should take a joint stance against Israel in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement on Jerusalem, a Turkish campaign group said Monday.
“If Muslims do not take a joint stance against Israel’s unlawful practices, Israel, which has occupied Jerusalem -- will take newer and harsher steps every day," Rabia Platform head Cihangir Isbilir, said in an interview with Anadolu Agency in Turkey's northwestern Tekirdag province.
“We have to take concrete steps beyond condemnation and cursing,” he said, calling out to Muslim states.
“Jerusalem can only be liberated from Israeli occupation when Istanbul, Ankara, Damascus, Baghdad, and Cairo unite,” he said.
Last Wednesday, Trump, despite widespread international opposition, announced to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city.
Jerusalem remains at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Turkey will host an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Dec. 13 to discuss the U.S. move.