Riyadh, November 10, 2024 — The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has long upheld the Palestinian cause, with a primary focus on the defense of Jerusalem and the rights of the Palestinian people, serving as a unifying force for its 57 member states. Since its establishment, the OIC has been dedicated to addressing the vital concerns of the Muslim world, with the overarching goal of protecting the interests of Muslims globally.
Saudi Arabia, the heart of the Islamic world and home to the Two Holy Mosques, plays a crucial role in the OIC’s operations, hosting its headquarters in Jeddah. With its strategic position and deep commitment to defending Islamic causes, the Kingdom has consistently championed the Palestinian cause within the OIC, striving to end the Israeli occupation and support the Palestinian people in their pursuit of self-determination. The OIC’s efforts are rooted in its historical context, dating back to the aftermath of the 1969 arson attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque, which led to the first Islamic Summit Conference convened in Rabat, Morocco, under the leadership of King Hassan II. The summit, called in response to the actions of Israel, set the foundation for the creation of the OIC, initially known as the Organization of the Islamic Conference.
The OIC's core mission was defined in its founding Charter, signed in 1972 by 30 member countries, which established the organization as the primary body responsible for coordinating policies and addressing issues of collective concern to the Muslim world. At its heart, the OIC has always been committed to the Palestinian cause, which has been central to its work, particularly through its regular summits and extraordinary meetings of foreign ministers.
The OIC has held 14 Islamic summits since its inception, alongside over 20 extraordinary foreign ministers’ meetings to address urgent issues, with Palestine remaining at the forefront of its agenda. Most recently, on October 18, 2024, an emergency meeting was held in Jeddah in response to the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestinians, especially in Gaza. The meeting reaffirmed the centrality of Palestine within the OIC and condemned Israel’s actions, including its siege on Gaza, calling for international intervention to protect Palestinian civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The OIC’s condemnation of Israel’s actions is consistent with its longstanding position that Israel bears responsibility for the suffering of the Palestinian people. The organization has rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians from their homes and has called for the international community to take decisive steps to protect Palestinian rights. This call is grounded in the principles of international law and justice, advocating for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The OIC’s stance on Palestine is not just a matter of political solidarity; it is part of the organization's broader commitment to peace and stability in the region. The Arab Peace Initiative, introduced in 2002, remains a foundational framework for the OIC’s efforts to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. This initiative is seen as a historic opportunity for achieving a just and lasting peace, one that recognizes the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ensures regional security.
As the OIC continues to press for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it remains steadfast in its calls for the international community to uphold its responsibilities and work toward ending the occupation. Saudi Arabia, as the chair of the OIC and a key player in regional and international diplomacy, has called for an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit to be held in Riyadh on November 11, 2024. This summit, which will focus on the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine and Lebanon, is a critical step in furthering the OIC’s mission and fostering a unified response to the ongoing crises. It builds upon the Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh in November 2023, where leaders from across the Muslim world called for coordinated action to address the dangerous escalation of violence in Gaza.
Through its steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause and its role as a leading force for peace in the Muslim world, the OIC continues to push for a comprehensive and just resolution to the conflict, rooted in international law, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the principles of equity and justice. The OIC’s efforts will remain central to the pursuit of peace and the protection of the rights of Palestinians, as the organization works to ensure a brighter future for the region and its people.