OIC condemns Israel’s actions in Gaza as war crimes

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza as war crimes, calling on the international community to intervene and halt the violence.

The OIC’s statement on Sunday came after Israeli airstrikes targeted a UN-run school sheltering displaced civilians in Al-Shati’ camp, as well as bombings in Nuseirat refugee camp and Beit Lahiya, resulting in hundreds of casualties, mostly women and children.

Describing the attacks as a “flagrant violation of international law,” the OIC urged immediate international action to stop the massacre of innocent Palestinians, who have borne the brunt of Israel’s assault since October 7, 2023. “The brutal bombing of civilian infrastructure, especially shelters for the displaced, is unconscionable,” the OIC said in a statement. “This is a deliberate targeting of innocent civilians and a blatant breach of international humanitarian law.”

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The OIC also stressed the importance of allowing sustained humanitarian aid to Gaza, especially to its northern regions, and called for international protection for Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. “The world cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Palestinian people. Humanitarian aid must reach all corners of Gaza without delay,” the statement added.

“These horrific massacres against displaced civilians must be condemned by the world,” the OIC said, demanding accountability for Israel and its allies, including the United States, the UK, Germany, and France. “Those who support these atrocities must be held accountable for complicity in these war crimes.”

Since the conflict erupted, over 43,000 Palestinians have been killed, with the majority being women and children. More than 100,000 others have been injured, and thousands are still missing, buried under the rubble of Israel’s airstrikes. The violence followed Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel, Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, on October 7, a retaliatory response to Israel’s decades-long military campaign against Palestinians.

“We call on the international community to stop this war, to protect the lives of innocent Palestinians, and to hold Israel accountable for its actions,” the OIC concluded.