OIC Foreign Ministers Council Condemns Plans To Displace Palestinian People Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers firmly opposed any plans to displace Palestinians, labelling such actions as ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law. They condemned policies forcing Palestinians from their land, including starvation tactics. The ministers demanded an end to illegal settlements, land confiscation, and military incursions in Palestinian territories, emphasising these actions threaten regional stability and violate UN resolutions.

During the extraordinary session held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, the council reiterated support for a two-state solution. This solution is backed by Saudi Arabia, the European Union, Norway, and others. An international conference on this matter is scheduled for June 2025 in New York. The council also highlighted the importance of Palestinian unity under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

The council reaffirmed its commitment to a just peace in the Middle East. It called for Israel's withdrawal from territories occupied since 1967, including Gaza and the West Bank. The ministers stressed the need for Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty with East Al-Quds as their capital. They also supported Palestinian refugees' right to return and receive compensation as per UN resolutions.

Efforts to enhance Palestinian resilience were encouraged by providing humanitarian aid and supporting economic sectors in Palestine. The council urged international support for Palestine's budget and called for releasing withheld tax revenues. It also advocated for an international fund to assist orphans in Gaza and provide artificial limbs to injured individuals.

The OIC condemned Israeli policies aimed at altering the demographic composition of Palestinian territories. It rejected attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, including East Al-Quds. The council called for legal measures against extremist settlers committing acts of terrorism against Palestinians.

The ministers emphasised accountability for violations against Palestinians through international justice mechanisms. They urged countries supplying arms to Israel to reconsider their policies and halt weapon exports. The council also supported efforts by Algeria within the UN Security Council to back Islamic causes.

International Community's Role

The OIC urged the UN Security Council to enforce resolutions upholding peace and security in Palestine. It called on all states to consider sanctions against Israel until it ends its occupation and settlement activities. The council appreciated Algeria's efforts in supporting Islamic causes at the UN.

The ministers condemned Israeli attacks on Syria as violations of international law and aggression against Syrian sovereignty. They called on the international community to compel Israel to cease its aggression and withdraw from occupied Syrian territories, reaffirming that the Golan Heights remains Syrian territory.

Preservation of Religious Sites

The OIC strongly condemned Israeli attempts to Judaise Al-Quds and alter its Arab identity. It called for preserving access to Al-Aqsa Mosque for worshippers while maintaining its status as a Muslim-exclusive site. The council emphasised respecting Jordan's role in managing Al-Aqsa Mosque affairs under Hashemite custodianship.

The ministers also condemned violations against religious sites like Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque, urging UNESCO intervention. They stressed providing international protection for Palestinians according to UN resolutions while building state institutions' capacity within 1967 borders.

Acknowledging Saudi Arabia's leadership in communicating Arab-Islamic stances globally, the OIC urged continued efforts towards Gaza reconstruction plans while ensuring Palestinians' rights remain intact amidst ongoing challenges.

With inputs from SPA