by: (Syed Mussarat Khalil) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened an Extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting at its headquarters in Jeddah. The session focused on Israel’s ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people, the planned ground invasion of Rafah, and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
OIC Urges Immediate Action to Protect Palestinians
Foreign Ministers from OIC member states attended the emergency meeting, alongside the OIC Secretary-General. The participants condemned Israel’s relentless military actions and emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
Pakistan’s Strong Stance on the Palestine Issue
Ambassador Syed Mohammad Fawad Sher, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the OIC, delivered Pakistan’s national statement. He strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing atrocities against Palestinians and called for:
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An immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, Unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance, The creation of a humanitarian fund for Gaza
Ambassador Sher reminded attendees that the OIC was founded in response to the Palestine issue and urged member states to continue amplifying the voice of the Palestinian people.
Key Proposals Presented by Pakistan
During the session, Pakistan suggested several decisive steps to protect Palestinian civilians and advance the cause of peace:
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Form an OIC Core Group to intensify diplomatic efforts to stop the war, Push for Palestine’s full membership at the United Nations, Demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
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Halt all illegal settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territories, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Urge the UN to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate Israeli war crimes, Call for an international peace conference to advance the two-state solution, Advocate for a weapons embargo on Israel, in line with the Arab-Islamic Summit resolution of November 2023
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Encourage donors to resume funding to UNRWA and support humanitarian efforts in Gaza
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Ensure the implementation of International Court of Justice (ICJ) provisional measures
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Deploy an international protection mechanism for Palestinian civilians
Commitment to a Two-State Solution
Ambassador Sher reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent position:
The final resolution to the Palestine conflict must be the establishment of a sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.
OIC Resolution Condemns Israeli Actions
At the conclusion of the session, the OIC adopted a comprehensive resolution. It condemned the Israeli aggression, denounced the indiscriminate use of force, and called for:
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An immediate end to hostilities
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Lifting the siege on Gaza
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Continued humanitarian aid to Palestinians
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Full recognition of Palestine at the United Nations
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Steps toward the realization of the two-state solution
The resolution also supported convening an international peace conference to bring an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
