By our political editor
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has endorsed the Arab League’s counter-proposal to former US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza, reinforcing regional opposition to forced displacement of Palestinians. The decision was made at an emergency meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following the Arab League’s ratification of the plan in Cairo. Trump’s proposal had sparked global condemnation for its suggestion that the US should take over Gaza, displace its residents, and transform the region into a so-called Riviera of the Middle East while pressuring Egypt and Jordan to absorb Palestinian refugees.
Trump’s policies on the Palestine-Israel conflict during his administration reflected a significant shift in US foreign policy, favoring Israel’s strategic interests while sidelining Palestinian rights. His administration’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the controversial Abraham Accords were seen as direct attempts to undermine Palestinian sovereignty. The relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 was widely criticized, leading to widespread protests. Trump’s so-called Deal of the Century proposed a heavily fragmented Palestinian state under Israeli military control, offering limited self-rule while legitimizing Israeli settlements in the West Bank. These measures faced strong opposition from Palestine and much of the international community, including the OIC and the Arab League.
The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with reports of mass killings, injuries, and human rights violations. According to the latest statistics, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 18,000, since the Israeli assault began. More than 110,000 individuals have been injured, with hospitals overwhelmed and medical supplies severely limited due to the Israeli blockade. The United Nations has reported that over 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced, with refugee camps facing severe shortages of food, water, and basic necessities. Forced starvation has become a critical issue, with Israeli authorities restricting the entry of food, water, and medical aid into Gaza. The United Nations and international relief organizations have repeatedly warned that such measures amount to collective punishment, a violation of international law.
The exchange of detained individuals has been another focal point of the conflict. Israel continues to hold over 9,500 Palestinian prisoners, including minors, journalists, and political detainees, many of whom have been subjected to prolonged detention without trial. Some exchanges have occurred through mediation, but Palestinian groups have accused Israel of mistreating detainees, with reports of torture, solitary confinement, and inhumane conditions emerging from Israeli prisons. Human rights organizations have called for independent investigations into these alleged abuses.
Israeli actions in Gaza have drawn widespread criticism from human rights organizations, with Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemning the bombardment of civilian infrastructure, the targeting of schools and hospitals, and the use of prohibited weapons. The United Nations Human Rights Council has accused Israel of committing war crimes, calling for accountability through international legal mechanisms. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been under pressure to investigate war crimes committed by Israeli forces, leading to a groundbreaking decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top military commanders. This move has been met with fierce opposition from Israel and its allies, particularly the US, which has historically shielded Israel from international accountability.
Several international organizations and governments have condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza. The European Union has issued statements urging Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed deep concern over the targeting of medical facilities and personnel. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the destruction of hospitals, warning that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of total collapse. Additionally, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, reporting that over 60% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been reduced to rubble.
Global civil society organizations continue to decry Israeli aggression, with protests and boycotts gaining traction in several countries. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has intensified its efforts, urging companies and governments to sever economic and diplomatic ties with Israel over its violations of Palestinian rights. In major cities worldwide, protests have drawn millions of people demanding an end to the violence and the protection of Palestinian civilians. The OIC and Arab League have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, calling for an immediate ceasefire and international intervention to prevent further atrocities.
The endorsement of the Arab League’s counter-proposal by the OIC marks a significant political stance against US and Israeli policies. It reflects a collective regional response aimed at preventing further displacement of Palestinians and resisting attempts to redefine the Gaza crisis in a way that disregards Palestinian self-determination. The future of Gaza remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue, but the OIC’s position underscores the growing international opposition to unilateral actions that threaten peace and stability in the region.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
