Emergency Meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers Condemns Israeli War on Gaza

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) emergency ministerial meeting, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, strongly condemned Israel's war on the Gaza Strip and its decision to expand its operations. The foreign ministers of OIC member states met to coordinate positions and joint efforts to confront decisions and plans aimed at entrenching the occupation and complete Israeli control over the Gaza Strip.

Key Takeaways:

• Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour called on Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza, citing the worsening conditions in the Gaza Strip following two years of war and the loss of life.
• The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Gambia emphasized the need for urgent action, stating that "conditions are worsening" and that "the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and Palestine is profound and has significant repercussions that affect not only the region but also the Islamic nation and the international community as a whole."
• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described Israel's actions as a "crime against humanity" and called for a ceasefire, adding that "Gaza belongs to the Palestinians, and we must ensure that they remain on their land."
• The meeting highlighted the need for a two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state, and emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid reaching those in need.
• The OIC foreign ministers also emphasized the need to work towards a lasting peace that addresses the root causes of the conflict and condemned attacks on holy sites in Palestine.

Statistics:

• Nearly 300,000 children in the Gaza Strip have been affected by the Israeli blockade, denial of aid entry, and targeting of convoys, leading to a famine situation (Source: Reports documenting the famine in the Gaza Strip).
• The Gambia and other OIC member states have expressed strong condemnation of attacks on holy sites in Palestine, calling for their protection.