ISTANBUL (UNA/WAFA) – The Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, called on the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to unify efforts to end the illegal Israeli occupation and stop the ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip.
In his address to the opening session of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Istanbul on Saturday, Mansour stressed that the Palestinian people are facing an unprecedented existential crisis, in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression, siege, starvation, killing, and forced displacement. He emphasized that these crimes must be confronted with a unified position from the OIC.
He said, "We cannot pass this year without making every possible effort to stop this brutal war and put an end to the historic injustice inflicted on our people," stressing that an immediate ceasefire and an end to the criminal blockade of Gaza is an urgent humanitarian necessity.
He explained that the Israeli occupation has killed and wounded tens of thousands of children, women, and men in Gaza, and destroyed infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, camps, and places of worship, rendering the Strip uninhabitable.
Mansour stressed that the priority must be to protect civilian lives, halt all attempts at forced displacement, ensure unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and immediately implement relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
He added, "The international community must do more than just condemn; it must put an end to the illegal occupation and the system of settler colonialism."
He pointed out that 2025 must be the year to end the Israeli occupation and achieve justice for our people, calling for the convening of the international conference called for by Saudi Arabia and France, and the implementation of the two-state solution based on ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
He expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France for their efforts to convene the international conference to implement the two-state solution. He also extended his thanks, on behalf of the Palestinian people and leadership, to the Turkish government, people, and president for their support and backing of Palestine and its rights.
He stressed the need for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to remain at the forefront of defending international law and peoples' rights, and to hold Israel accountable for its crimes. He affirmed that the organization's position on Palestine will remain steadfast and based on justice and international law.
Mansour emphasized that the new year in occupied Palestine began with more sieges, attacks, and collective punishment at the hands of the occupying power, noting that these violations constitute a grave breach of international law and all human values.
He concluded by stressing that the solidarity and support provided by the OIC countries to Palestine is historic, but today it is more important and urgent than ever.
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