Islamic bloc OIC calls for immediate cessation of Israel’s ‘barbaric aggression’ against Palestinians

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday called for the immediate cessation of Israel’s “barbaric aggression” against the Palestinian people.

In a final communique issued following an extraordinary meeting of the OIC Executive Committee, the bloc called for the immediate lifting of Israeli’s siege on the Gaza Strip.

The pan-Islamic organization reaffirmed its commitment to "the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, most notably their right to self-determination and the return of Palestinian refugees, their right to independence, and the embodiment of the independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the borders of June 4th, 1967, with its capital, Al-Quds Al-Sharif."

The OIC also reaffirmed support for the Palestinians’ “legitimate right to self-defense to confront the Israeli aggression that targets their lives, their sanctities, and their properties.”

Gaza is already experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

At least 471 people were killed and 342 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza late Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Israel, however, has denied responsibility for the air raid.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,478 Palestinians have so far been killed, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.