The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has formally rejected Israel’s controversial Greater Israel plan, approving a resolution condemning Israeli actions in Gaza.
The resolution, backed by 31 member states, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, calls for urgent international action to protect Palestinians and uphold international law. It also calls for the suspension of Israel’s membership in the United Nations.
OIC demands accountability for war crimes
OIC foreign ministers denounced Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan as a violation of international law and described statements by Israeli officials as a direct threat to the national security and territorial integrity of Arab countries.
The resolution demands that Israel be held accountable for alleged war crimes, including the targeted killing of Palestinian journalists, at the International Court of Justice.
Calls for UN action and humanitarian relief
The resolution urges the United Nations to take immediate steps to halt famine and prevent genocide in Gaza. It also calls for:
- An immediate ceasefire in the region
- Release of prisoners
- Unhindered humanitarian aid to affected populations
Sanctions and designation of settlers
OIC foreign ministers further recommended that Jewish settlers involved in violence be declared terrorists, with global sanctions imposed to prevent further aggression. The organisation emphasized that Israel should refrain from planning a complete occupation of Gaza, warning that continued escalation threatens regional stability.
Pakistan’s support for Gaza
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for Palestine, urging the United Nations and the international community to impose accountability on Israel for its war crimes and violations of international law.
Speaking at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah on Monday, Dar warned that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to collective punishment of Palestinians and must not go unchallenged.
Call for permanent ceasefire in Gaza
Dar stressed the need for an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire across Gaza and the occupied Palestinian Territory. He emphasized that continued attacks on hospitals, schools, mosques, and civilian infrastructure were blatant violations of humanitarian law.
“Israel’s declared intent to occupy Gaza City is a deliberate attempt to obliterate Palestinian existence and heritage — it must be firmly opposed,” Dar said.
He also demanded an end to forced displacement, illegal settlement expansion, and annexation of Palestinian land, particularly in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
UNRWA support and global responsibility
Highlighting the indispensable role of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), Dar urged renewed international support to ensure survival for millions of Palestinians facing famine and displacement.
He further called on the UN Security Council to deploy an international protection force to safeguard besieged civilians in Gaza, insisting that enforcement measures must be enacted if Israel continues to defy global demands.
Rejection of Israel’s ‘Greater Israel’ plan
The foreign minister categorically rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s so-called ‘Greater Israel’ plan, labeling it a direct threat to regional and global peace. “As long as Israel’s illegal occupation endures, peace will remain elusive,” he declared.
Dar reaffirmed that Palestine remains a top priority for Pakistan, vowing that as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Islamabad will work closely with OIC and Arab partners to push for Palestine’s right to self-determination, justice, and UN membership.
Strong voices from OIC members
Other Muslim leaders echoed Pakistan’s stance:
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that without an immediate ceasefire, Israel would continue its occupation and oppression, urging strong joint pressure for a sustainable solution. He was of the view that the upcoming UN General Assembly session could be a decisive opportunity for this purpose.
“As the voice and conscience of the Muslim world, the OIC must grasp this opportunity and speak and act with a strong united voice,” Dar stressed. He also suggested strengthening the Palestinian state institutions, which he said needed financial, technical and institutional support to stand on solid foundations.
- Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan rejected Israeli settlements in the West Bank, reaffirmed the need for an independent Palestinian state, and welcomed growing global consensus on the two-state solution.
