Israeli Occupation Is Main Source of Middle East Instability, Four Nations Say

ISTANBUL: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Egypt have called for renewed diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing Middle East crisis, highlighting the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories as a major source of regional instability.

The four countries issued their position following a meeting of their foreign ministers in Istanbul on Friday, October 23, 2026. They emphasized the need for a political settlement, greater humanitarian assistance for Palestinians and coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation across the region.

According to the joint statement reported by Arab News, the ministers renewed their support for a two-state solution and called for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Pakistan Türkiye Egypt Reaffirm Support for Palestine

The foreign ministers expressed concern over the continuing consequences of Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. They argued that the situation has contributed to a growing sense of injustice and highlighted the importance of addressing the Palestinian question through a lasting political settlement.

The four countries called for an immediate end to settler attacks and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. They also stressed that humanitarian assistance must reach Gaza without interruption and that reconstruction efforts should continue to support civilians affected by the conflict.

Their position reflects a renewed diplomatic push by major regional countries to place Palestinian statehood and humanitarian needs at the centre of international discussions.

The ministers maintained that a negotiated political settlement remains essential for achieving lasting peace and reducing tensions throughout the Middle East.

Gaza Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction Remain Priorities

The humanitarian situation in Gaza was another important issue addressed during the Istanbul discussions.

The four countries called for continued assistance to Palestinians and emphasized the need for reconstruction efforts to proceed without unnecessary obstacles. Reliable access to humanitarian supplies remains a major concern as regional instability continues to affect diplomatic and security priorities.

The ministers’ statement underlined the importance of international cooperation in addressing the needs of civilians and supporting a sustainable political solution.

They also reiterated that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is central to achieving a durable settlement of the conflict.

Saudi Pakistan Türkiye Egypt Urge Diplomacy Over Iran Conflict

Alongside the Palestinian issue, the foreign ministers discussed the escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

They called for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent the conflict from expanding and emphasized that dialogue and negotiations should remain the principal means of resolving the crisis.

The ministers also reaffirmed their support for the Islamabad memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran in June, urging both sides to pursue a lasting negotiated settlement.

The diplomatic appeal comes amid concerns about possible further military action against Iranian facilities and the potential consequences for regional security.

A wider conflict could threaten civilian safety, disrupt energy supplies and create additional pressure on countries already dealing with economic and security challenges.

The four governments therefore emphasized the importance of coordinated diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.

Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz Shipping Concerns

Maritime security was another major subject during the discussions.

The ministers condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, warning that continued disruption to navigation could affect international supply chains and the movement of essential commodities.

Oil, food and fertilizer shipments could face significant consequences if important shipping routes remain insecure.

The officials also called for the restoration of safe and uninterrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important route for global energy transportation.

Their appeal highlighted how regional conflicts can extend beyond national borders, affecting international trade, energy markets and the economic stability of countries around the world.

The ministers stressed that safeguarding commercial shipping requires greater cooperation and an end to actions that threaten lawful maritime movement.

Four Countries Condemn Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Istanbul meeting also addressed security concerns arising from Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

The ministers condemned attacks on civilians and vital infrastructure and called for an immediate halt to military activities. They also urged the Houthis to return to negotiations and reiterated their support for Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

On the sidelines of the wider meeting, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate talks with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the discussions covered bilateral relations, developments in Yemen and efforts to reduce regional tensions. The two officials also addressed the importance of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye are also signatories to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August 2026. The agreement states that an armed attack against one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all.

This defence arrangement adds another dimension to their regional security cooperation, although Egypt is not a signatory to that agreement.

Regional Cooperation Could Support Efforts for Peace

The Istanbul discussions demonstrate the importance of continued coordination among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Egypt as the Middle East faces overlapping political, humanitarian and security challenges.

Their shared calls for Palestinian statehood, humanitarian assistance and diplomatic engagement indicate a common interest in preventing further instability.

However, achieving these objectives will depend on whether the relevant parties can translate diplomatic statements into concrete progress, including improved humanitarian access, meaningful negotiations and measures to protect civilians and international shipping.

For now, the four countries have reiterated their support for dialogue and collective diplomatic action. Their next challenge will be helping turn those commitments into practical steps toward regional stability and a lasting political settlement.

Source: Arab News, October 23, 2026.