JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed deep concern over the escalating arbitrary detention campaigns being carried out by the Israeli occupation in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The OIC, in a statement released on Palestinian Prisoner’s Day, said that these campaigns have led to a surge in the number of prisoners, surpassing 9,500 people including 80 female prisoners and over two hundred children. Among them, the statement started, more than 3,600 are administrative detainees held without charge or trial, while approximately 600 prisoners are serving life sentences.
The OIC also denounced the Israeli occupation’s practices, which have led to the deaths of 16 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation prisons since October 7, 2023. Additionally, 27 prisoners from the Gaza Strip have lost their lives due to torture and medical neglect.
Highlighting the dire situation faced by Palestinian prisoners, the OIC emphasized that their plight symbolizes the denial of justice, violation of rights, and victimization without recourse to justice. The organization condemned the Israeli occupation’s systematic and inhumane treatment of prisoners, which included deprivation of basic human rights, collective punishment, abuse, persecution, neglect, and isolation. These actions flagrantly contravene international humanitarian law, human rights charters, UN standards for prisoner treatment, and other relevant international instruments.
The OIC called upon the international community and human rights organizations to fulfill their responsibilities and compel the Israeli occupation authorities to adhere to the Geneva Conventions, international humanitarian law, and all relevant international conventions in their treatment of Palestinian prisoners. Furthermore, it urged for thorough investigations into all crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against prisoners.
Expressing solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, the OIC reiterated its support for their rights, steadfastness, and determination to convey their message and suffering to the international community. The ultimate goal is to secure freedom and justice for them.
