Muslim nations rejected Trump’s call to displace Palestinians in Gaza during a recent OIC meeting. They backed an Egyptian proposal for an administrative committee to govern the area for reconstruction. The ceasefire’s durability is questionable as Israel has renewed military operations and restricted supplies to Gaza. Reports indicate significant Palestinian casualties since the onset of conflict. The situation calls for immediate dialogue and humanitarian intervention.
On Saturday, foreign ministers from Muslim nations convened in Jeddah to discuss the Gaza crisis, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposition to evacuate the Palestinian population from the area. Instead, they supported a governance plan involving a Palestinian administrative committee for reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The meeting was organized under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) amidst uncertainties surrounding the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which is now seven weeks old.
In their official statement, the ministers voiced opposition to any plans for the displacement of Palestinians, characterizing it as ethnic cleansing and a severe violation of international law. They condemned policies that impose starvation on Palestinians, asserting these measures aim to incite mass migration. Additionally, the OIC reinstated Syria as a member, following its removal in 2012 due to the country’s internal conflicts.
The ceasefire initiated in mid-January has temporarily halted Israeli hostilities against Gaza. This truce allowed for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian detainees. However, negotiations for a subsequent phase of the ceasefire are now in jeopardy, as Israel is hesitant to discuss terms.
Currently, Israel has instituted a blockade on all essential supplies for the Gazan population, demanding Hamas commit to new terms. Concurrently, Trump has advocated for a complete resettlement of Gaza’s residents, a proposal that has been firmly rejected by Palestinians. The OIC ministers endorsed an Egyptian-led initiative proposing an administrative committee to take over governance roles, potentially under the Palestinian Authority, which Israel opposes.
As tensions continue, Israeli military actions have resulted in a high number of casualties in Gaza. Reports indicate that over 48,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have perished during the conflict, which was incited by the deadly October 2023 Hamas assault on Israel. The situation remains critical, necessitating ongoing international dialogue and humanitarian efforts.
The collective stance taken by Muslim nations highlights the rejection of displacement proposals for Palestinians in Gaza. The emphasis on supporting a Palestinian governing body underscores a commitment to sovereignty and reconstruction. Meanwhile, the ceasefire’s stability remains compromised, with ongoing military actions and demands complicating the humanitarian landscape in the region. This situation necessitates urgent attention and diplomatic efforts to establish lasting peace and rehabilitation in Gaza.
Original Source: apnews.com
