OIC flays attempts to “legalize” Israeli settlements, warns against forced displacement of Palestinians

Admin I Monday, March 24, 2025

 

JEDDAH – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has issued a strong denunciation of the so-called Israeli Cabinet’s recent decision to approve the separation of 13 illegal settlement neighborhoods in the West Bank, effectively facilitating their “legalization” as settler-colonial outposts.

This development constitutes a blatant contravention of international law and existing United Nations resolutions governing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Additionally, this move has been accompanied by incendiary and racially charged remarks from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who described this initiative as part of a broader strategy to assert purported Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank territory.

The OIC has issued a strong condemnation regarding the establishment of a specialized Israeli agency purportedly aimed at facilitating the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians. The OIC unequivocally rejects any plans that involve the displacement of Palestinian individuals or communities, whether within their homeland or in exile, asserting that such actions constitute a blatant violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and pertinent United Nations resolutions.

Moreover, the OIC has called upon the international community -specifically the UN Security Council- to undertake its duties in confronting Israeli crimes, including genocide, the establishment of colonial settlements, the demolition of homes, forced displacement, and attempts to annex Palestinian territories. It argues that these activities warrant immediate international sanctions against Israel, the occupying Power, to deter further transgressions.

Additionally, the OIC has reiterated the urgency of supporting measures to facilitate the realization of a two-state solution as a viable path toward just, lasting peace.