ISLAMABAD: The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned “Israeli aggression” against Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, calling them grave violations of international law.
The ‘Istanbul Declaration’ issued at the end of the meeting stressed the importance of a broad-based dialogue for the peaceful settlement of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India.
Foreign ministers from Muslim countries convened in Istanbul for the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM).
The two-day session, held on Saturday and Sunday, took place under the theme “The OIC in a Transforming World.”
OIC member states reaffirmed their solidarity and stressed the importance of enhanced collective action in response to increasing global instability and shifting power dynamics.
The foreign ministers highlighted the need for the OIC to take on a more active role in fostering peace at both the regional and international levels.
Israeli ‘aggression’
The OIC strongly condemned recent Israeli attacks on Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, calling them grave violations of international law.
It called on the international community to take deterrent measures to stop this aggression and make Israel accountable for crimes committed, decided to establish an open-ended Ministerial Contact group, which will be tasked with establishing regular contacts with the relevant regional and international parties, to stop the aggression against Iran and to achieve a peaceful settlement.
“Condemn firmly the aggression of Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, stress the urgent need to stop Israeli attacks and their great concern regarding this dangerous escalation, threatening human, economic, and environmental situation in the region,” the declaration said.
Palestinian Cause
The OIC reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian people, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The ministers condemned Israel’s 19-month-long military campaign in Gaza, describing it as genocide and a systematic effort to erase the Palestinian cause.
The OIC deceleration reaffirmed the importance of convening, as soon as possible, the United Nations High-Level Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and relevant United Nations resolutions, under the co-chairmanship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic.
Ceasefire and reconstruction
The declaration urged the implementation of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza under UN Security Council Resolution 2735 and supported the Arab-Islamic plan for the early recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
The OIC called for the protection of Palestinian civilians and the immediate opening of crossings to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid.
Solidarity with Pakistan
Expressing concern over recent escalations in South Asia, the OIC condemned strikes on Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and called for restraint and adherence to bilateral agreements, including the Indus Waters Treaty.
“Emphasise that the ceasefire, announced on 10 May 2025, must be faithfully adhered to, in the interest of regional peace and stability; Acknowledge, with appreciation, the efforts made by various Member States for de-escalation of tensions,” the declaration said.
It stressed the importance of a broad-based dialogue for the peaceful settlement of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India.
It expressed full support for the inalienable right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council and OIC resolutions, and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, and condemned the massive human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Support for Muslim communities
The OIC expressed deep concern over growing Islamophobia, rising hate speech, and systematic discrimination against Muslim minorities, including the Rohingya in Myanmar, Turkish Cypriots, and the Muslim population in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The declaration expressed solidarity with oppressed Muslim communities and emphasized the need for international accountability.
It underlined that terrorism and extremism cannot be associated with any religion, race, ethnicity, or nationality and should be unequivocally condemned regardless of its forms and manifestations that continue threatening global peace and security.
Regional developments
The OIC foreign ministers welcomed progress in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and stressed support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. They also acknowledged efforts by Syria’s interim government to reintegrate the country into the international system.
Heritage protection
The deceleration commended the efforts of Jordan in protecting and safeguarding the Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city of Al-Quds and reaffirmed the significance of preserving the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque.