The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has announced an extraordinary meeting of its Executive Committee at the level of Foreign Ministers on August 7. The meeting, to be held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, aims to address the ongoing atrocities and war crimes committed by Israel in Palestine.
The OIC will discuss the continued crimes of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, including the recent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior political leader. The meeting will also focus on Israel’s aggressions against the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“In response to the ongoing atrocities committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, this meeting has been convened,” stated the OIC Secretariat on Monday.
The statement highlighted the devastating impact of Israel’s actions on the Palestinian population. “To date, these actions have resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 individuals and injuries to more than 91,000 Palestinian citizens, most of whom are women and children,” it read.
The destruction extends beyond human lives. Civilian properties, including 430,000 homes, have been destroyed. Essential infrastructure, health and educational facilities, places of worship, and historical sites have also been severely damaged. Nearly two million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, adding to the humanitarian crisis.
In response to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and the escalating violence in Gaza, Iran has called for this urgent meeting. Pakistan has expressed strong support for this initiative. On Saturday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar affirmed Pakistan’s backing for Iran’s call for an extraordinary OIC meeting following the killing of Haniyeh in a strike in Tehran.
Acting Foreign Minister of Iran, Ali Bagheri Kani, communicated Iran’s deep anguish over the assassination to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, during a telephone call. Pakistan’s foreign ministry reported that the deputy prime minister conveyed similar sentiments and condemned the developments in Gaza and the assassination of Haniyeh “in the strongest possible terms.”
The upcoming OIC meeting is expected to focus on formulating a unified response to Israel’s actions and reinforcing solidarity among member states. The extraordinary session underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation in Palestine, reflecting the international community’s concern over the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.
As the world watches, the decisions and statements emerging from this meeting could significantly influence the geopolitical landscape and the ongoing conflict in the region. The OIC’s efforts to address these issues demonstrate a collective resolve to seek justice and protect the rights and lives of the Palestinian people.
