Pakistan urges Gaza ceasefire as OIC convenes meeting amid Israeli aggression

JEDDAH: Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as representatives of member states convened at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday amidst escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns in Gaza caused by Israeli violence.

During the meeting, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the OIC, Fawad Sher condemned the atrocities committed by Israeli forces in Gaza. Sher advocated for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the region. He pointed out the critical importance of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Similarly, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian urged leaders of all Muslim countries to adopt decisive measures against Israel in support of the Palestinian cause. He said that given the imminent threat facing the Palestinian people, tangible action was needed to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

Read more: Biden says Gaza ceasefire deal is in Hamas’ hands as Ramadan nears

The Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened to address the escalating Israeli aggression against the Palestinians.

The meeting was held in Jeddah on Tuesday at the request of several member states, including Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Jordan, and Iran. The meeting reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to the principles outlined in its charter and reiterated its support for United Nations (UN) resolutions regarding Palestine.

Central to the discussions was the condemnation of Israel’s brutal attacks in the Gaza Strip. Due to invasion of the region by Israeli forces, thousands of innocent lives were lost, including women and children. Over a million Palestinians are also forcibly displaced from their homes due to the on-going Israeli bombardment.

The OIC member states called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the provision of unimpeded humanitarian aid to address the dire situation within Gaza.

They condemned Israel’s blatant violations of international law, including the targeting of civilians and holy sites. The meeting called on all the member states to take practical measures to stop the Israeli aggression and hold its perpetrators accountable.

The meeting also agreed to seek international justice for Palestinian victims, including through legal avenues such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Additionally, the OIC reiterated its support for the Palestinian cause, including the rights to self-determination, independence, and the return of refugees. The member states called for the recognition of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations and urged the international community to mobilise resources for the reconstruction of Gaza.

During the meeting, it was also highlighted the importance of media and legal monitoring in exposing Israeli violations. The members affirmed the OIC’s commitment to continue diplomatic efforts to end the occupation and achieve a just and lasting peace based on international law and UN resolutions.