Jeddah, December 27, 2024 – Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held a heartfelt farewell meeting today with Ambassador Maher Karaki, Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the OIC, marking the conclusion of Karaki’s distinguished tenure. The meeting, held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, served as an opportunity to reflect on the strong collaboration between the OIC and Palestine, as well as to bid farewell to Karaki, who has been a key figure in representing the Palestinian cause within the organization.
During the meeting, Ambassador Karaki expressed deep gratitude on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian people for the unwavering support extended by Secretary General Taha throughout his tenure. Karaki specifically commended Taha’s instrumental role in advancing the Palestinian cause, particularly through the establishment of the Ministerial Committee during the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023. This committee was pivotal in responding to the ongoing Israeli aggression, especially in the context of the severe situation in Gaza.
Ambassador Karaki also took the opportunity to present an updated report on the escalating Israeli attacks, drawing attention to the increasing violations in the West Bank and Jerusalem. He emphasized that Israel has been exploiting regional developments to escalate its aggression against Palestinians, with significant consequences for both their safety and the broader regional stability. Karaki’s report highlighted the urgency of addressing the continued violence and the dire need for international intervention to curb Israel’s actions and protect Palestinian civilians.
In response, Secretary General Taha reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the mission of the OIC, underscoring the organization’s commitment to standing by Palestine in the face of Israeli violations. Taha expressed deep concern over the ongoing systematic destruction of Palestinian cities and the relentless violence inflicted by Israeli occupation forces. He pledged that the OIC would continue to utilize all available international platforms and mechanisms to defend Palestinian rights, counter Israeli aggression, and advocate for the restoration of Palestinian sovereignty and rights.
Secretary General Taha’s comments reflected the OIC’s long-standing commitment to advocating for justice and peace in the Middle East, particularly through efforts to end the Israeli occupation and achieve a fair and lasting solution for the Palestinian people. The OIC has consistently highlighted the need for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Palestine, while safeguarding the rights of its citizens.
Ambassador Karaki’s farewell marked not only the conclusion of his tenure but also highlighted the ongoing solidarity and commitment of the OIC and its member states to the Palestinian cause. Taha’s reaffirmation of support signals the OIC’s determination to continue its work on behalf of Palestine, ensuring that its plight remains at the forefront of the international community's efforts to achieve peace and justice.
