Joint Statement Issued by Foreign Ministers of Arab-OIC Committee on Gaza

The Foreign Ministers of the Arab-OIC Committee on Gaza categorically reject all statements made by Israel regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their territory, occupied since 1967, under any pretext. 

They also condemn Israel’s policy of uprooting the Palestinian people from their land through expanding the military operations in Gaza, the use of siege and starvation as methods of war, the continued targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and its efforts to prolong and widen the conflict that is already threatening regional and international peace and security. 

They reiterate their condemnation of Israel’s illegal measures in the West Bank, including settlement expansion, settler violence, demolitions of homes, and land confiscation.

The Foreign Ministers stress that Israel’s flagrant violations of international humanitarian law must be stopped and demand accountability of all those involved in crimes that may amount to ethnic cleansing and genocide.

The Foreign Ministers reaffirm their call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, for Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian access through all routes and crossings, and for the provision of international support to enable the legitimate Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza, and empower and assist the Palestinians in state-building.

The Ministers underline that Israel’s illegal practices and violations are a direct threat to international law, and an affront to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the rule-based international order.

They call upon the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to shoulder its responsibilities by ensuring the protection of the Palestinian people, their right to remain on their land in Gaza and the West Bank including East Jerusalem, and ending the illegal Israeli occupation.

The Ministers emphasize that the realization of a Palestinian state on the basis of 4th of June, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only solution in accordance with the right to self-determination, human rights, and all relevant international resolutions, and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the realization of the Independent State of Palestine.