Meeting of the League of Arab States (11.10.2023)
In an extraordinary ministerial session of the Arab League, convened under the leadership of the Kingdom of Morocco and at the invitation of it and the State of Palestine, foreign ministers discussed and formulated a series of decisions regarding the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.
The following key points were addressed in the issued statement:
Centrality of the Palestinian Cause: The meeting emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, with the foremost being their right to self-determination and an independent, sovereign state along the pre-June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Two-State Solution: Arab ministers reiterated their commitment to a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, seeing it as a strategic option to protect the region from violence, wars, and their far-reaching consequences.
Decisions Taken:
Immediate Cessation of Israeli Aggression: Arab states called for the immediate cessation of the Israeli war on Gaza Strip. All parties were urged to exercise restraint, with a warning about the catastrophic humanitarian and security consequences of further escalation. The international community was called upon to take urgent and effective action to enforce international law and safeguard regional security and stability.
Condemnation of Aggression and Violations / Protection of Civilians: Condemnation of killing and targeting of civilians from both sides and violating international law and humanitarian law. The protection of civilians in line with humanitarian values and international law was stressed, along with the need to release civilians and all prisoners and detainees.
End to Gaza Siege: It was emphasized that the Gaza Strip siege must be lifted, humanitarian aid allowed to enter immediately, and Israeli decisions to stop electricity and water supplies rescinded.
Support for Palestinian Rights: Support was voiced for the Palestinian people’s steadfastness on their land and the right of return and compensation for refugees. A comprehensive solution addressing all final status issues, consistent with relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, was underscored.
Israeli Obligations: Israel was called upon to fulfil its obligations as the occupying power by ending illegal measures that perpetuate the occupation and hinder the two-state solution. This includes settlement expansion, land confiscation, displacement of Palestinians, military operations in cities and camps, and attacks on religious sites.
Peace Process: The necessity of reviving the peace process through serious negotiations between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel was emphasized. The absence of political prospects for peace was highlighted as detrimental to the region’s security and stability.
Support for Palestinian National Authority: Political, economic, and financial support for the Palestinian National Authority was urged.
International Diplomacy: Delegations of the Arab League and Councils of Arab Ambassadors were tasked with taking action at the international level to communicate the resolution’s content and work with international partners to halt the Israeli aggression.
Continuous Monitoring: The Arab League Council will remain in permanent session to oversee Arab and international efforts in implementing these decisions.
Statement by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (13.10.2023)
The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its absolute rejection and condemnation of Israel’s calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza, aiming to transfer the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the Israeli occupation to neighboring countries.
The OIC strongly condemned the blockade of medical, relief supplies, and basic necessities to the Gaza Strip, considering it as collective punishment, a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
The OIC reiterated its call on the international community to urgently take effective measures to stop all forms of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, which threatens to lead to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. The OIC emphasized the necessity of establishing humanitarian corridors to provide essential aid to the Gaza Strip.
OIC urgent Meeting on October 18, 2023
At the invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which chairs the current session of the Islamic Summit and the Executive Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Organization’s Executive Committee is convening an urgent open-ended extraordinary meeting at the ministerial level, to address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs as well as the deteriorating conditions that endanger the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region.
The extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the OIC will take place on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah Governorate.