Emergency OIC Meeting Rejects Israeli Settlement Expansion

Jeddah — The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee held an emergency ministerial meeting on Thursday, 26 February, to formally reject Israeli settlement expansion in occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement released following the meeting, the OIC strongly condemned Israel’s steps to expand settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territory. The meeting also condemned statements by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and criticised the decision by the US Embassy to provide consular services to Israeli settlers in occupied West Bank territory, characterising such actions as encouraging Israeli control over Palestinian and Arab land.

Meeting participants called for accelerated implementation of the plan announced by US President Donald Trump, including advancing the plan to its second phase, achieving comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire, ensuring full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and facilitating unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip.

The meeting expressed support for the Palestinian State in its recovery and reconstruction efforts whilst reaffirming the territorial integrity of Palestine, including Gaza Strip and West Bank.

The meeting decided to pursue political and legal measures to challenge Israeli policies. The OIC called on the international community to provide protection for the Palestinian people and reaffirmed its support for various efforts to hold Israel accountable for alleged violations.

The meeting voiced deep concern over escalating tensions and increasingly arrogant rhetoric in the Middle East, including reports of threats to use force against Iran and strengthening of offensive military forces.

The meeting warned that escalating military tensions could produce serious and unpredictable consequences for regional and global peace and security, with negative impacts on economic stability, energy security, and development prospects for emerging economies.