Islamic Cooperation condemns Gaza ‘massacre’, calls for sanctions on Israel | Global News

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has taken a strong stance against the ongoing violence in Gaza, denouncing it as a “genocide” and calling for sanctions against Israel. In a resolution adopted at the end of its summit in Gambia, the OIC urged its 57 member countries to impose sanctions on Israel, the occupying power, and to halt the export of weapons and ammunition used in the conflict.

The resolution, seen by AFP, called on members to exercise diplomatic, political, and legal pressure to stop the “genocidal war” being waged against the Palestinian people. It also called for an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire in the region.

The OIC, founded in 1969 to increase Muslim solidarity and support the Palestinian struggle, has previously condemned Israeli actions in Gaza but had not taken concrete punitive measures until now. In December 2023, the OIC welcomed South Africa’s action against Israel at the International Criminal Court, accusing it of genocide.

The summit in Cairo focused on a proposed truce linked to the release of hostages in Gaza, but no concrete progress was made. Despite the gravity of the situation, only a few African leaders attended the summit in person, with most countries sending representatives.

The violence in Gaza, which began after an attack by Hamas on Israel, has resulted in the deaths of over 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli official figures. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,683 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The situation remains dire, with no end to the conflict in sight.