OIC urges global aid boost for UNRWA amidst Gaza war

Jeddah: During the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in Jeddah on Tuesday, the council’s Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha emphasized the pressing need for increased funding to the UNRWA. The suspension of contributions by donor countries to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) raised concerns, prompting Taha to call for global support to protect the rights of Palestinian refugees and address the regional security implications. The meeting was convened in response to Israel's aggression on Gaza, described by Taha as a violation of international standards, resulting in horrific casualties and crimes against humanity.

Taha's opening statement highlighted the gravity of the situation, urging countries worldwide to take immediate action. Taha stressed that increased funding to UNRWA would reaffirm the international community's commitment to protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees amid the ongoing crisis.

“These crimes have so far claimed the lives of more than 30,000 Palestinian civilians, wounded nearly 70,000, most of them women and children, and displaced nearly 2 million Palestinians inside the Gaza Strip,” he said.

The OIC chief outlined Israel's systematic policies, including siege, torture and indiscriminate destruction, characterizing the campaign as an attempt to uproot the Palestinian people. Taha acknowledged the success of the Arab and Islamic ministerial contact group, influencing prominent countries and international organizations.

The OIC, along with 25 member states, submitted information to the International Court of Justice, highlighting the legal consequences of Israel's occupation. The council expressed deep concern over the suspension of UNRWA contributions by donor countries, emphasizing the necessity of reinforcing the international commitment to safeguarding Palestinian rights.

Key figures, including Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan, emphasized the urgency of stopping the Israeli aggression and ensuring the protection of civilians. Prince Faisal highlighted Saudi Arabia's role in calling on the international community to take responsibility in halting the Gaza war through urgent diplomatic efforts.

Despite positive developments and increased calls for an immediate ceasefire, the humanitarian tragedy persists, demanding swift international action. Prince Faisal expressed confidence in the UN secretary-general's ability to conduct an investigation into the UNRWA funding crisis, dispelling any allegations. The foreign minister warned against attempts to undermine confidence in UNRWA, emphasizing its crucial role in providing hope to the Palestinian people.

Reaffirming the commitment to end the suffering, Prince Faisal stated the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The extraordinary OIC session concluded by restating its support for the Palestinian cause, highlighting the urgent need for a reliable and irreversible path to Palestinian statehood.