OIC Urges Increased Funding for UNRWA Amid Condemnation of Israeli Aggression

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called upon nations worldwide to bolster funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to enhance services for Palestinians and uphold regional stability. This appeal came during the opening statement of the extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, led by Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Expressing grave concern over donor countries’ suspension of contributions to UNRWA, Taha emphasized the necessity of increased funding as a demonstration of the international community’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Palestinian refugees. The urgency of this call was underscored by ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, which Taha denounced for its violations of international standards, laws, and norms, resulting in what he described as “horrific massacres, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.”

According to Taha, the Israeli campaign has led to the loss of over 30,000 Palestinian lives, with nearly 70,000 wounded and around 2 million displaced within the Gaza Strip. He condemned Israel’s systematic policies of siege, starvation, torture, and destruction of essential infrastructure, portraying them as attempts to eradicate the Palestinian presence from their land, tantamount to genocide.

Acknowledging the efforts of OIC member states, Taha highlighted the success of the Arab and Islamic ministerial contact group established during the November 2023 summit hosted by Saudi Arabia. He noted the group’s influence on prominent countries, including UN Security Council members and international organizations.

A resolution passed during the November summit led to the activation of a media monitoring unit and the establishment of a legal observatory, aimed at addressing Israel’s occupation and violations of Palestinian rights. Taha also mentioned the OIC’s involvement in legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice regarding the consequences of Israel’s occupation since 1967 and the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

During the Council of Foreign Ministers session, notable speeches were delivered by Mohamed Marzouk, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mauritania; Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Riyad Al-Maliki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine.

Prince Faisal emphasized the necessity of international intervention to halt Israeli aggression, urging the protection of civilians, the lifting of the Gaza siege, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid access. He warned against the dire consequences of military operations targeting civilians in Gaza and emphasized the imperative of recognizing the State of Palestine and pressuring Israel towards a two-state solution.

Al-Maliki echoed Prince Faisal’s sentiments, denouncing the Israeli government’s actions as genocidal and emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire to protect Palestinian civilians. He expressed gratitude to participating member states for their support in addressing the humanitarian catastrophe faced by Palestinians in Gaza.

As the international community grapples with the escalating crisis, the OIC’s call for increased funding for UNRWA underscores the pressing need for collective action to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian refugees and advance prospects for peace and stability in the region.