Israeli Military Aggression in Gaza Draws Strong Condemnation from OIC: War Crimes and Innocent Lives Lost
JEDDAH, Monday, October 30, 2023 – The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, has strongly denounced the ongoing and escalating Israeli military aggression in the Gaza Strip. For 23 consecutive days, this relentless assault has inflicted severe casualties on innocent civilians, resulting in the deaths of thousands of martyrs and leaving countless more wounded. The brutal violence has spared no one, including women, children, medical personnel, and journalists.
In a statement, Secretary-General Taha expressed his deep concern over the deliberate destruction of vital infrastructure, such as buildings, hospitals, schools, places of worship, and even United Nations facilities. He went further to condemn Israel’s threats to bomb hospitals and its continued obstruction of access to essential necessities like food, medicine, water, and electricity. These cruel measures, he emphasized, amount to collective punishment, flagrant violations of international law, and war crimes.
Moreover, the OIC’s rejection and condemnation extend to the mounting acts of murder, incitement, and organized terrorism committed by extremist settler groups and Israeli occupation forces against Palestinian citizens throughout the West Bank, particularly in the occupied city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). These criminal acts have tragically led to the martyrdom of more than 115 innocent Palestinian citizens since the beginning of the month.
Secretary-General Taha made it clear that Israel, as the occupying power, bears full responsibility for the continuation of these reprehensible acts. Their persistence not only creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity but also hinders any prospects for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israeli government’s military aggression and the loss of innocent lives have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. Many see these actions as gross violations of human rights and a direct challenge to the principles of justice, peace, and stability.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians must be a top priority for all parties involved. The international community, especially influential stakeholders, should actively engage in efforts to deescalate the situation and promote dialogue between the two sides. Constructive steps must be taken to address the root causes of the conflict and bring about a just and lasting solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
While tensions remain high in the region, it is crucial for all parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful avenues for the resolution of their differences. Only through a genuine commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and the recognition of the rights of all individuals can lasting peace be achieved.
As the world closely observes the situation in Gaza, one thing remains certain: the ongoing violence and loss of innocent lives must be urgently addressed and brought to an end. The international community must unite in its efforts to put an end to the suffering and create an environment where peace, justice, and stability can thrive.
