JEDDAH: Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha has condemned the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and the targeting of holy sites in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil (Hebron) in the West Bank.
He made the remarks while delivering a speech at the opening session of the open-ended emergency meeting of the OIC Executive Committee at the level of Permanent Representatives regarding the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
The Secretary-General stated that the meeting was convened to address a new Israeli move targeting the Islamic identity of Palestinian cities—specifically, the transfer of administrative and historical authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque away from the Palestinian side.
He described this as part of a continued series of Israeli actions against the mosque since the occupation of the city on June 8, 1967.
Taha emphasised that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly rejects and warns against the Israeli occupation’s efforts to assert full control over the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil, a move aimed at Judaising the site and erasing its Islamic identity and historical character.
He further condemned the ongoing attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the bombing of churches and mosques in Gaza, calling these actions blatant violations of human rights and international law.
Taha underscored that all such measures—intended to Judaise the city of Al-Quds and sever it from its Palestinian context—are illegal and invalid under international law and United Nations resolutions.
In his address before the permanent representatives of the Member States, the Secretary-General emphasised that the continuation of this unprecedented humanitarian crisis constitutes a war crime, a stain on the entire humanity, and a violation of the principles of justice and human dignity.
He stressed the urgent need to intensify international efforts to pressure the Israeli occupation into implementing a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.
This includes the full opening of border crossings, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
He also highlighted the importance of enabling the Palestinian government to assume its responsibilities in Gaza and to begin the reconstruction and recovery process.
