On Sunday, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan addressed the virtual meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). During his televised speech, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan condemned the Israeli aggression against Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. The minister defined the Israeli actions as “flagrant violations of Palestinian rights.”
The Foreign Minister’s remarks came during the extraordinary meeting of the 57-member organization, gathering a week after the intense Israeli bombing of Gaza. Gaza, which hosts over two million people, has been under an air, land, and sea blockade imposed by Israel.
The Saudi Minister also denounced the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. According to the minister, this act is a clear violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites as well. Highlighting the importance of ending attacks immediately in the region, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan called the international community to assume responsibility for bringing an end to this “dangerous escalation” and establishing peace based on a two-state solution.
The tension has accelerated in the region while Israel maintains its air strikes towards the Palestinian territory following Hamas targeting Israeli territory. Hamas’ move came in response to the Israeli attacks against Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem and a raid conducted by Israeli police forces at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
It was reported that the death toll in Gaza has reached 181, including 52 children, as a result of Israeli attacks towards the center of Gaza city on Sunday.
