In a strong rebuke, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned Israel's recent settlement expansion in the West Bank, characterizing it as part of an ongoing policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide against the Palestinian people. This response comes amid new Israeli moves to legitimize five settlements and plans to construct thousands of additional homes, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The OIC expressed its opposition to these developments, viewing them as illegal and a direct violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334 of 2016. This resolution explicitly states that Israel's settlement activity constitutes a "flagrant violation" of international law and has "no legal validity."
Additionally, the OIC condemned Israel's imposition of taxes on churches and affiliated properties in occupied Jerusalem and the appropriation of Palestinian tax revenues. These actions are seen as part of a broader strategy of ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and systemic persecution of the Palestinian population.
The OIC's statement highlighted the historical context of these tensions, noting that Israeli settlement policies have long been a contentious issue. Since the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel has established numerous settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories that Palestinians seek for a future state. The international community, including major bodies like the United Nations and the European Union, has repeatedly declared these settlements illegal under international law.
Recent escalations have intensified these concerns. Since the beginning of the Aqsa Flood operation in Gaza on October 7, 2023, there has been a notable increase in settlement construction on the West Bank. The OIC warned of the dangerous implications of these actions, including potential increases in violence and instability, exacerbated by settler aggression towards Palestinian communities.
The OIC has called upon the international community to take decisive action. They urge global powers to recognize Israel as an occupying force and to intervene to halt what they describe as genocide in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories. This call to action underscores a long-standing demand for international accountability and the enforcement of international laws designed to protect the rights and lives of the Palestinian people.
Historically, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen numerous attempts at peace negotiations, including the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which aimed to achieve a two-state solution. However, continued settlement expansion has been a significant obstacle to these peace efforts. The OIC's latest statement reflects deep frustration and a renewed plea for international solidarity in addressing these longstanding issues.
As the situation evolves, the world watches closely, aware that the actions taken—or not taken—by the international community could have profound implications for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional stability.
