Jeddah, March 2, 2025 – The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has officially submitted written statements to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in response to the court’s request for an advisory opinion regarding Israel’s obligations in the occupied Palestinian territories. This submission specifically addresses Israel's actions related to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third-party states in the region.
The OIC’s statements underscore the organization’s firm stance on the importance of international legal efforts to hold Israel accountable for its actions as the occupying power. In particular, the OIC highlighted the illegal measures that have hindered the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from fulfilling its mandate in the occupied Palestinian territories since January 30, 2025. These actions, the OIC asserts, have obstructed vital humanitarian assistance and support for Palestinian refugees, exacerbating the suffering of millions of displaced individuals.
Founded by a United Nations General Assembly resolution, UNRWA’s mission is to provide aid, protection, and essential services to Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting resolution to their plight is reached. The OIC reaffirmed its unwavering support for UNRWA’s continued efforts and expressed its concern over Israel’s ongoing measures that undermine the agency's ability to perform its humanitarian functions effectively.
By submitting these statements to the ICJ, the OIC aims to strengthen the international legal framework surrounding the rights of Palestinian refugees and to ensure that Israel's actions in the occupied territories are addressed through established legal mechanisms. The OIC’s involvement in this case reaffirms its commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and advocating for international action to end the occupation and secure a fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause.
The move comes at a critical time, as international attention on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories continues to grow. The OIC’s engagement with the ICJ seeks to press for legal clarity on Israel’s obligations under international law and to ensure that global institutions uphold their responsibility to protect Palestinian rights and enable the work of humanitarian organizations like UNRWA.