OIC condemns Israeli moves in East Jerusalem

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The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) warned against escalating Israeli measures targeting historic properties and Islamic endowments near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.

In a statement, the OIC said the seizure of historic buildings and Palestinian-owned properties near the mosque forms part of broader policies aimed at altering the identity of the Old City in Jerusalem and imposing “new demographic and geographic realities” on the ground.

It said these actions are intended to undermine the historical and legal status of holy sites in the area and erase the cultural and civilizational heritage of Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem.

The General Secretariat also strongly condemned an Israeli plan to convert a seized United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) facility in Jerusalem into a museum and the headquarters of the so-called Israeli Ministry of Security.

It said the building had been forcibly taken in violation of international law, adding that the move represents an effort to weaken UNRWA’s presence and mandate in the occupied territory.

The OIC stressed that Israel has no sovereignty over East Jerusalem, describing the measures as part of broader “racist policies” aimed at undermining the agency and advancing efforts to eliminate the Palestinian refugee issue.

It further argued that such actions violate international law, United Nations resolutions, and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.