Jeddah (UNA) – The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in cooperation with the Permanent Delegation of the State of Palestine and the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA), organized an exhibition entitled “Palestine: Land, People and Identity” on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at its headquarters in Jeddah, to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba.
In his remarks on this occasion, the Director-General of the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Mr. Mohammed bin Abdrabuh Al-Yami, reiterated that the Palestinian cause is not merely a matter of borders or land, but rather a just humanitarian cause.
Al-Yami said, “Nakba Day is an event that changed the contours of history and established a reality of injustice and oppression for which the steadfast Palestinian people continue to pay the price to this day. It is a memory that reminds us that the Palestinian cause is a just humanitarian cause, related to inalienable rights: the right of return, the right to self-determination, and the right to live with dignity on the land of our fathers and grandfathers.”
“Today, we commemorate this painful memory under the title ‘Palestine: Land, People, and Identity,’ a title that embodies the trilogy that forms the core of the conflict: a land that was usurped, a people struggling for survival, and an identity that faces attempts at distortion and erasure. The images displayed in the moving art exhibition dedicated to this occasion, which we are organizing in cooperation with the Permanent Delegation of the State of Palestine and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, are not just photographs, but living testimonies of history, carrying within them the pain of the past, the challenges of the present, and the hope of the future,” he added.
Al-Yami praised the determination and resilience of the Palestinian people, saying, “The Nakba was not just a fleeting moment in 1948, but rather a continuation of a human tragedy that is renewed every day through the displacement of Palestinians, the demolition of homes, the confiscation of lands, and the violation of holy sites. But it is also a story of resistance and resilience, the story of a people who refused to die, preserving their identity despite all the hardships, instilling in their children a love of the land, and bequeathing to them the legacy of the struggle for freedom. Let us draw inspiration from these images of resilience and a new strength to work for Palestine. Palestine will remain in our hearts and consciences: a holy land, a proud people, and an eternal identity.”
The Director General of UNA affirmed that the Union will not hesitate to support the just Palestinian cause and convey the voice of the oppressed to the world. He emphasized that the media is not merely a transmitter of news, but rather a weapon in the battle for awareness and an ambassador for rights. He reiterated his commitment to continuing to shed light on the suffering of Palestinians, expose violations, and support diplomatic and legal efforts to achieve justice.
Al-Yami praised the fruitful cooperation with the Permanent Delegation of Palestine, noting that it has been and continues to be a key partner in every step toward commemorating this anniversary. He also extended his thanks to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for hosting the exhibition commemorating the Nakba, and to all those who contributed to its success.
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