Joint Statement Highlights Developments In The Occupied State Of Palestine And Calls For Action

A consultative meeting on the situation in the occupied State of Palestine took place at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) headquarters in Jeddah. High-level delegations from the OIC General Secretariat, the Arab League, and the African Union Commission attended. They issued a joint statement affirming that a peace plan announced by the U.S. President during an international summit in Sharm El-Sheikh marks a step toward ending violence and restoring normalcy.

The peace plan, endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, aims to ensure humanitarian access and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The parties highlighted that an international conference in Cairo has set an irreversible course toward achieving a two-state solution. This conference focused on implementing an Arab-Islamic plan for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.

The organizations condemned Israeli statements about opening the Rafah crossing only one way. They rejected any plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, labeling such actions as war crimes and violations of international law. They demanded Israel open all crossings permanently to allow unhindered humanitarian aid delivery.

They expressed concern over Israeli policies making Gaza uninhabitable, including sieges and starvation tactics. The statement emphasized ongoing dangers from Israeli actions in the West Bank, such as settlement expansion and forced displacement. These actions threaten regional peace and security.

The organizations called on the international community to stop crimes against Palestinians and hold perpetrators accountable under international law. They urged disarmament of settlers per Security Council Resolution 904. The statement reaffirmed that all Israeli settlements are illegal and must be dismantled.

They rejected decisions altering Jerusalem's political, geographic, and demographic character. The need to preserve holy sites' historical status was stressed. Crimes against Palestinian prisoners were condemned, including threats to Marwan Barghouti's life by extremist minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Support for Palestinian Authority

The joint statement reaffirmed support for the Palestine Liberation Organization as Palestinians' sole legitimate representative. It called for enabling Palestine's government to assume responsibilities across occupied territories, including east Jerusalem. The release of withheld Palestinian tax revenues by Israel was demanded.

The Emergency Coalition for Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority was welcomed. Announced by Saudi Arabia at the UN General Assembly session in New York City on September 25, it seeks financial support for Palestine from various countries.

UN Resolutions and International Support

The joint statement welcomed UN General Assembly Resolution A/80/L.1/Rev.1 endorsing outcomes from a high-level conference on Palestine's peaceful settlement held in New York under Saudi Arabia and France's chairmanship. Countries were urged to implement this declaration.

An advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on October 22 regarding Israel’s obligations was also welcomed. Additionally, UN General Assembly Resolution A/80/537 DR 5 extending UNRWA’s mandate was supported, condemning attacks targeting its mission.

Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

The report by an independent commission confirming genocide against Palestinians in Gaza was acknowledged with calls for immediate action on its recommendations. Recognition of Palestine by several states in September was valued as affirming Palestinians' right to self-determination.

A just peace requires ending Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital based on international law and relevant resolutions. The organizations committed to implementing these resolutions while encouraging practical steps toward a two-state solution ensuring Palestinians' rights to independence and self-determination.

With inputs from SPA