Jeddah: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an Extraordinary Open-Ended Meeting of the Executive Committee at the level of Permanent Representatives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, focusing on the ongoing Israeli actions against Palestinian people. The meeting addressed Israeli attacks on holy sites, particularly the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil.
According to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the meeting reaffirmed previous resolutions from various Islamic conferences concerning Palestine and Al-Quds Ash-Sharif. It expressed concern over escalating Israeli attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites, emphasizing the need for Israel to cease fire, facilitate the return of displaced persons, and withdraw occupation forces. The OIC called for opening all Gaza Strip crossings, ensuring humanitarian aid delivery, and complying with international law and UN resolutions.
The communiqué condemned Israel's blockade and aid distribution mechanisms, which have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It rejected any displacement of Palestinians or demographic changes and warned states against cooperating with Israeli displacement plans. The dangers of ongoing military aggression and crimes in the West Bank were highlighted, with calls for halting demographic changes and colonial settlements.
The OIC strongly condemned Israeli plans to transfer management of the Ibrahimi Mosque to an illegal settlement council, violating UN and UNESCO resolutions. Attacks on Christian sites, such as the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and Al-Khader Church, were also condemned. The communiqué denounced Israeli policies aimed at altering Al-Quds' geographic and demographic character and modifying the status of holy sites.
The communiqué reiterated Israel's lack of sovereignty over Occupied Palestinian Territory, supporting Palestine's right to oversee the Ibrahimi Mosque. It tasked the Islamic Group with working with UNESCO to inscribe Palestinian cultural sites on World Heritage Lists and ensure Israel complies with preservation resolutions.
The OIC called on UN bodies to monitor and report Israeli human rights violations and assist the Palestinian government in preserving cultural rights. The General Secretariat was tasked with coordinating with relevant organizations to organize events highlighting the cultural significance of Palestinian sites, documenting damage to cultural heritage, and addressing looting and destruction by Israel.
UNESCO was requested to fulfill its preservation role, dispatching a mission to assess the impact of Israeli actions on heritage sites. The communiqué urged states to help restore Al-Khalil, support cultural facilities, and confront Israeli crimes against Palestinian heritage. It called for international sanctions on Israel to halt illegal practices and hold it accountable for violations of international law.
The OIC emphasized involving youth in preserving Palestine's cultural identity through educational programs, and condemned Israel's withholding of Palestinian tax revenues. It requested increased support for Palestine and activation of the Islamic Financial Safety Net. The communiqué urged a boycott of Israeli cultural events exploiting culture to justify occupation.
Finally, the Secretary-General was tasked with following up on the communiqué's implementation and reporting to the next Council of Foreign Ministers session.