The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on 25 August 2025 convened an extraordinary meeting of its Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to address what it described as Israel’s ongoing aggression and war crimes against the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, speaking at the 21st extraordinary session, called on member states and the international community to redouble efforts against Israel’s continued crimes, citing military aggression, genocide, ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, blockade, starvation, and the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure.
He held Israel “solely responsible” for the humanitarian catastrophe and condemned its announced plan to impose full military control over the Gaza Strip as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s promotion of a so-called “vision of Greater Israel”.
The Secretary-General also denounced Israel’s settlement expansion in the E1 zone of Al-Quds, and the targeting of journalists in Gaza, which he said warranted prosecution under international criminal law.
Taha stressed the urgent need for international intervention to break the blockade and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid, emphasizing the vital role of UNRWA, which he said requires “political, financial and legal support”. He reiterated calls for a ceasefire, the safe return of displaced persons and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, alongside preparations for a reconstruction conference in Cairo.
The OIC welcomed the outcomes of the Saudi-French chaired High-Level Conference for a Peaceful Settlement and praised the recognition of Palestine by several countries. It urged other nations to follow suit and support Palestine’s bid for full United Nations membership.
