Turkey Warns Of Rising Nuclear Weapons Races Due To Israel

Illustration of ballistic missile launch (Source: KCNA)

JAKARTA - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday expressed concern that Israel's continued possession of nuclear weapons could increase the nuclear arms race, leading to unfavorable situations.

"The continued possession of nuclear weapons by Israel, plus failed denuclearization efforts in the region, will increase the nuclear arms race leading to an increase in nuclear ownership in the region. This is not a favorable situation for both the region and the world," Fidan said in an interview with Al Jazeera.

"The possession of nuclear weapons by Israel has been a common secret but not recognized over the years -- a fact that everyone knows but no one admits it," he said.

"We see that Israel has developed nuclear capabilities by not being a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty of Nuclear Weapons, and we also know that they have received significant support from both the United States and Europe in this regard. So, this is not a secret," Fidan added.

Foreign Minister Fidan stressed the need for thorough denuclearization in the Middle East region or other countries will take steps to improve their security, emphasizing the importance of finding solutions to these important strategic problems.

While emphasizing the significant progress achieved during the Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, which was held in Riyadh last week, Fidan highlighted that this progress was a turning point in efforts to foster cooperation and solidarity among Muslim countries.

Regarding the real impact of the decision taken, he stressed the need to immediately stop the bloodshed in Gaza and ensure immediate delivery of aid.

Fidan said Muslim countries currently choose to solve Gaza's problems by using all diplomatic and humanitarian means.