Jeddah, 8 March 2024 (TDI): The extraordinary session for the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on 5th March, discussed the developing situation in Gaza and mounting Israeli offensive.
The session was convened at the request of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Palestine, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The member countries have vehemently reaffirmed the right of self-determination and self-defence of the people of Palestine along with the establishment of a sovereign State of Palestine.
The member states have strongly condemned the barbaric attempts of Israel at targeting the sanctity and life of Palestinians in Gaza with more than 30,000 martyrs and more than one and a half million being displaced.
Multifarious crimes of Israel
The Council members have recounted the multifarious crimes of genocide, starvation, indiscriminate bombing, deliberate deprivation of humanitarian aid, attempts of forced displacements.
It also discussed persistent violation of International Law, related norms, committed against the innocent civilians residing in the besieged narrow Gaza Strip.
International efforts for Gaza
Moreover, the international community and organizations have been called on to condemn Israeli offensive, secure an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, conduct criminal investigations against Israeli perpetrators.
Most importantly, to provide unhindered access to humanitarian aid and reject forced displacement of Palestinians in strongest possible words.
In the backdrop of the provisional measures issued by the ICJ and the advent of the month of Ramadan, member states have been encouraged to better coordinate and cooperate with the organizations providing humanitarian assistance to the entire Gaza Strip.
On the same lines, member states have been appealed to fulfil their obligations by confronting the crimes and illegal occupation of Israel at possible forums.
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The OIC member states have called on the implementation of UN Resolutions and immediately putting into effect the two-state solution to reverse the prolonged illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territories.
The Council members have specifically and categorically appreciated the contributions to the ICJ by some of the member states and the provisional (advisory) measures generated by the ICJ.
Moreover, it appreciated the role of South Africa in initiating legal complaints against Israel leading to the oral pleadings at the Court from 19-26 February 2024 and the recent stance of the Republic of Nicaragua.
Lastly, they thanked both the Arab Republic of Egypt and State of Qatar in taking stand against Israeli aggression by providing consistent support to Gaza and, more importantly, in mediating a peaceful resolution of hostilities.
