JEDDAH, Dec 17 (KUNA) -- Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hussein Taha reaffirmed the organization's stance on the urgent need for bolstering up the ceasefire in Gaza Strip, and ensuring unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and the full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Strip.
This came in a speech delivered on his behalf by OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Jerusalem Affairs Samir Bakr at the international seminar held at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah on Wednesday.
Taha expressed the OIC's rejection and condemnation of any attempts to displace the Palestinian people, considering it a war crime and a serious threat to regional and international peace.
He called for the opening of all crossings to guarantee freedom of movement and the delivery of aid, expressing his rejection of the systematic starvation policy pursued by the occupation against the Gaza Strip.
He called on the international community to put an end to these crimes and hold the occupation accountable.
Taha welcomed the growing international recognition of the State of Palestine, urging those countries that have not yet recognized it to do so in support of implementing the two-state solution.
OIC Secretary-General said lasting peace requires ending Israeli occupation and settlements, and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, per international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Head of the Refugee Affairs Department, Dr. Ahmad Abu Holi, noted the severe regional challenges facing Gaza and the West Bank.
He highlighted the growing international support for a Palestinian state, and urged OIC members to help address UNRWA's funding shortfall.
Assistant Secretary and Head of Palestine and Occupied Arab Lands Sector at the League of Arab States, Dr. Faid Mustafa, said the Palestinian cause is facing one of its most difficult phases, calling for intensified efforts to preserve Palestinian rights and achieve just peace.
He reiterated support for international legal action and the two-state solution in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Head of the Permanent Delegation of the African Union to the Arab League, Ambassador Ali Darwish, affirmed the African Union's support for a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and for a just, negotiated solution based on international law.
He also affirmed the union's rejection of all forms of occupation, colonialism, and apartheid policies.
Darwish highlighted the AU's readiness to facilitate dialogue, support multilateral initiatives, and strengthen African-Palestinian relations.
The OIC hosted on Tuesday a joint consultative meeting in Jeddah with the Arab League and African Union to assess progress, coordinate efforts, and unify positions in support of the Palestinian cause amid escalating challenges, aiming to mobilize international support. (end) fn.ao