OIC Rejects ‘Greater Israel’ Plan, Demands Gaza Ceasefire

Sarosh Mustafa

Jeddah: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened an emergency meeting of foreign ministers in Jeddah on Monday, uniting Muslim countries against Israel’s “Greater Israel” plan and ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The 21st extraordinary session, requested by Palestine, Türkiye, and Iran, adopted a sweeping resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire, accountability for war crimes, and recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, strongly condemned Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza, describing it as genocide against the Palestinian people. “Tens of thousands of children have been killed, hospitals destroyed, and millions displaced,” Dar said, urging the global community to ensure immediate humanitarian access and to support a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.

Türkiye Demands Collective Islamic Action

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who chaired the session, said: “What the Palestinian people need is collective action.” He stressed that Israel must be placed under “coordinated pressure” to stop its crimes and warned that Tel Aviv’s regional aggression against Syria, Lebanon, and Iran was part of a larger destabilization agenda.

Saudi Arabia Warns of International Security Threat

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan declared that Israeli occupation endangered international peace and security. He reaffirmed Riyadh’s support for establishing a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” scheme as a violation of international law.

Iran Denounces Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the Gaza war as “organized destruction by a ruthless apartheid regime,” warning that Israel’s systematic targeting of civilians amounted to genocide. He called for Muslim countries to mobilize legal and diplomatic action, including sanctions and international prosecution.

Palestine Calls for UN Action

Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour urged OIC states to push the UN Security Council to act under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter to stop Israel’s war. He condemned Israel’s settlement expansions and plans to annex the West Bank as an attempt to erase Palestinian identity.

Resolution Condemns Israel, Calls for Sanctions

The final OIC resolution, spanning 38 articles, condemned Israel’s approval of new settlements, its obstruction of humanitarian aid, and the creation of famine conditions in Gaza. It called for:

• Unconditional ceasefire and aid access
• Sanctions and legal measures against Israel
• Review of Israel’s UN membership
• Recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state

The document cited over 62,500 Palestinian deaths, including 18,500 children, more than 1.5 million displaced, and widespread famine as evidence of crimes against humanity.

Pakistan and Iran Align on Gaza Crisis

On the sidelines, Ishaq Dar met Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, where both ministers condemned Israeli aggression and emphasized urgent humanitarian aid and a lasting ceasefire.

Conclusion

The OIC pledged to intensify international lobbying for Palestinian rights while uniting Muslim states against Israel’s occupation policies. Analysts said the resolution reflects growing pressure for accountability but warned that enforcement depends on global powers’ willingness to act.