Jeddah: In a resolution issued at its 21st extraordinary session, the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states reaffirmed all previous resolutions concerning Palestine and Jerusalem, including those from the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2024, and the 51st Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Istanbul on June 21-22, 2025.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the resolution adopted by the 21st Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held at the OIC General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah, addressed the ongoing and unprecedented Israeli aggression in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip. This aggression has resulted in over 62,500 people killed, including 12,400 women and 18,500 children, and more than 160,000 injured. Additionally, over 1.5 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes. This situation is worsened by continued violations and crimes in the West Bank, including East Al-Quds, as well as the illegal expansion of settlements.
The council reaffirmed the principles and objectives of the OIC Charter and reiterated all previous resolutions on Palestine and Al-Quds, including those adopted during the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh in 2024 and the 51st Session in Istanbul in 2025, which address the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. The council emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the entire Islamic Ummah and reiterated its support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, specifically their right to self-determination, the return of Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on pre-June 4, 1967 borders, with Al-Quds as its capital.
The council expressed strong rejection and condemnation of Israel's plans to impose full occupation and military control over the Gaza Strip, viewing it as a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of international law. Such actions threaten regional and international peace and security and represent violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as relevant international resolutions.
The council asserted that all crimes committed by Israel, including aggression, genocide, ethnic cleansing, destruction, and the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip, are war crimes that necessitate accountability under international criminal law. The council affirmed the significance of the case presented to the International Court of Justice concerning Israel's violations and called on the UN Security Council to hold a special session on the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.
The council condemned the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure in Gaza, which has contributed to a humanitarian catastrophe, and demanded the immediate cessation of military operations and the lifting of the siege to allow for urgent humanitarian assistance. It held Israel fully responsible for the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip and demanded the opening of all crossings to allow the entry of aid.
The council supported ceasefire efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States and expressed condemnation of Israel's refusal to respond to appeasement attempts. It called on the international community to assume its legal and humanitarian obligations to put an end to such policies and bind Israel to respond to mediators' proposals.
The council emphasized the need for international action to address the famine in Gaza and held the Israeli occupation responsible for its repercussions. It urged states to take measures to end the blockade and allow the entry of aid, condemning organizations that serve as instruments of occupation.
The council condemned Israeli statements regarding a "greater Israel vision" and the approval of illegal settlement units, asserting that these actions undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. It condemned the assassination of journalists and media professionals in Gaza as a war crime and an assault on press freedom.
The council called for international protection for the Palestinian people and renewed calls for accountability for crimes against Palestinians. It commended the efforts of various countries and organizations in supporting the Palestinian cause and called for continued efforts to end the Israeli occupation and achieve a just, lasting peace.
The council concluded by emphasizing that peace can only be achieved through the two-state solution, requiring the end of Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with East Al-Quds as its capital. It directed the secretary-general to monitor the implementation of this resolution and report on it to the next session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.