OIC Warns of Dangers from Israeli Plan to Alter Hebron's Status

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has warned of the dangers posed by the Israeli occupation authorities’ plan to alter the political, historical, and legal status of the City of Hebron. According to the OIC, the latest move involves a decision by the Israeli Finance Minister to revoke the Hebron Municipality’s authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, and surrounding areas, as well as to annul the Hebron Agreement. In a statement on Wednesday (17/6), the OIC General Secretariat stressed that Israel, as an occupying power, has no sovereignty over the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including the City of Hebron and its holy sites. The organisation also affirmed that all religious, historical, heritage, and cultural sites in the area are under the protection of international law in accordance with relevant UN and UNESCO resolutions. The OIC once again urged the international community to fulfil its responsibilities in safeguarding and protecting the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City of Hebron, and the historical sites in the area. According to the OIC, these areas are an inseparable part of the territory of the State of Palestine and its cultural heritage, which is listed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger.