Islamic Nations Call for Sanctions and Diplomatic Pressure on Israel

The foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing 57 Arab and Muslim countries, have urged all possible legal measures to hold Israel accountable for its actions against the Palestinian people.

The call came at the conclusion of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah on Monday. Ministers emphasized the need to consider suspending Israel’s membership in the United Nations due to its ongoing violations.

Highlighting the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, the ministers described Israel’s actions as crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. They called for stronger international efforts to end Israel’s impunity, including sanctions, restrictions on arms supplies, and a review of diplomatic and economic ties.

The session also stressed the importance of bringing the matter before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), citing Israel’s violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention. The ministers urged follow-up on ICJ advisory opinions to ensure accountability for the crimes committed in Palestine.

The OIC called on the UN Security Council to hold an extraordinary session on Israel’s aggression during next month’s UN General Assembly meetings. They also underlined the need for coordination with the Palestinian authorities on these issues.

Strong condemnation was issued against Israel’s plan to impose full military control over Gaza and any attempts to displace the Palestinian people. The ministers also rejected remarks by the Israeli prime minister promoting the “Greater Israel Vision,” calling them extreme, aggressive, and a serious threat to regional and international peace.

The OIC ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Palestinian cause, supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, the return of refugees, independence, and the establishment of a sovereign state along the June 4, 1967, borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.