Cairo: The 2026 International Conference on al-Qods commenced in Cairo, organized by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations. At the opening, Ambassador Dr. Dawas Dawas, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and al-Qods Affairs, delivered a speech on behalf of the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. He emphasized the significance of Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine and a vital part of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967.According to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Dawas highlighted that Israel, as the occupying power, continues to enforce policies altering the historical, legal, and demographic status of Jerusalem. These include settlement expansion, land confiscation, and demolishing homes, which isolate the city from the West Bank, violating international law. He also condemned the attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque, citing incursions by settlers and restrictions on worshippers as violations of the city's cultural heritage.Ambassador Dawas declared all Israeli actions to erase the Palestinian identity of Jerusalem as null under international law. He addressed the severe impact of Israeli attacks across the West Bank, calling for international pressure on Israel to stop these violations immediately.Dawas urged the international community to take effective steps toward a two-state solution, including recognizing the State of Palestine and supporting its UN membership. He stressed the need to respect international law and implement UN resolutions to end the occupation and halt unilateral measures like settlement activity and annexation.The conference featured high-level participation, including His Excellency Mr. Ashraf Al-Awar, Minister for Jerusalem Affairs of the State of Palestine, and other key diplomatic figures. It was attended by representatives from various states, religious leaders, academics, and experts who discussed the political, legal, historical, and cultural aspects of Jerusalem and strategies to support the Palestinian people.This annual conference, organized by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in collaboration with the UN, aims to keep Jerusalem at the forefront of international discourse and address it as the heart of the Palestinian cause.