The ongoing genocide in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with more than 44,000 people killed and hundreds of thousands injured since October 2023.
There have been more than 306 consecutive military attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, further escalating tensions and deepening the worst humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The cost of this conflict has not been limited to civilians, but UN staff, journalists, and health workers have also lost their lives in this chaos. As the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) prepares for its summit to be held on November 11, 2023, the question arises: Can the OIC, beyond its historical boundaries, provide an adequate and effective response to this growing crisis?
The OIC was established primarily to promote solidarity among member states and advocate for the rights of the Palestinians, as enshrined in its charter. The preamble and Article 18 of the OIC Charter emphasize the need to empower the Palestinians to achieve their rights, which calls for the establishment of an independent state with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital. Despite this commitment, this organization has failed to translate its principles into practical actions, especially in the face of Israeli aggression.
The UN Security Council has passed resolutions for a ceasefire in Gaza, but these have been flagrantly disregarded in violation of international law, creating a dangerous situation in the region beyond the control of member states’ authorities. The OIC’s 57 member states, which represent 1.8 billion Muslims, hold significant power and can be seen in the form of the Islamic Military Alliance, which is responsible for military operations as well as providing humanitarian aid. However, the reality is that, despite their resources, member states have not taken a decisive stand against the ongoing violence, resulting in a perception of weakness and indecisiveness.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with women and children accounting for nearly 75% of the total number of casualties. The lack of an effective response by the OIC member states raises the question of whether they are really committed to the protection of innocent lives and the establishment of peace.
As the extraordinary session draws near, it is important to see if it will be limited to mere statements. Will the OIC simply condemn the violence, call for an end to the blockade of Gaza, call for the implementation of Security Council resolutions, and press for an end to arms supplies to Israel, without concrete action?
Donald Trump’s recent re-election victory in the US has made the situation more complicated. His administration’s historic support for Israel has fueled fears that the conflict will escalate, with no relief in sight for the Palestinian people. It appears that the Israeli prime minister’s agenda may extend beyond Gaza to military operations in Lebanon and the threat of an attack on Iran, an OIC member state.
It is clear that the time for decisive action is now. The next extraordinary session should not be limited to condemnation but should pave the way for concrete steps. Will OIC member states dare to impose sanctions on Israel to pressure it to stop the violence? There are possibilities for such actions, but the intention to implement them is still doubtful.
The OIC stands at a crossroads. The effectiveness of this body dedicated to Palestinian rights depends on its ability to turn words into action. The extraordinary session of November 11, 2023 should not only address the immediate crisis, but also lay the foundation for a long-term commitment to resolving the Palestinian issue. Without a bold and unified response, the OIC will remain a bystander in the middle of a tragedy in which millions lose hope and fear becoming victims of such aggression themselves.
Finally, the OIC faces the urgent challenge of proving its importance and commitment to the Palestinian cause enshrined in its charter. The eyes of the world are on the OIC, and the time for action is now. The lives of countless innocent people depend on the courage and determination of their leaders to stand up to aggression, an opportunity that is either now or never.
