Gaza Contact Group discusses steps to pressure Israel, boost recognition of Palestine

By Tugba Altun

ANKARA (AA) — The Gaza Contact Group, formed by members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, convened Sunday to discuss steps to boost recognition of a state of Palestine and increase pressure on Israel and its supporters.

Diplomatic sources said the meeting, held in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh, has come to an end, with representatives also discussing decisions to be taken at the upcoming OIC Summit in Banjul, Gambia on May 4.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, a member of the group set up to push for a cease-fire in the Palestinian enclave, also attended the meeting. Sources said he will continue his multilateral and bilateral meetings in Riyadh through Monday.

Fidan is scheduled to meet with his counterpart Ayman Safadi of Jordan, Espen Barth Eide of Norway, Shai Muhsin Zindani of Yemen, and EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell.

The contact group was established at a joint summit of the OIC and the Arab League in Saudi Arabia in November to stop the conflict in Gaza and help achieve lasting peace.

*Writing by Necva Tastan