Muslim nations have rejected President Trump’s call to empty Gaza of its Palestinian population during an OIC meeting in Jeddah. They supported a Palestinian administrative committee for governance to aid in reconstruction. Ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises were underscored amid discussions on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Foreign ministers from Muslim nations firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to vacate the Gaza Strip of its Palestinian inhabitants during a meeting in Jeddah on Saturday. The meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) occurred while the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas faced uncertainties. The ministers instead endorsed a plan for an administrative committee led by Palestinians to facilitate reconstruction efforts in the territory.
The OIC reasserted its disapproval of any plans aimed at displacing Palestinians, condemning them as ethnic cleansing and a serious violation of international law. They also denounced policies that could result in starvation, which they claimed intended to coerce the Palestinian population into leaving Gaza. Additionally, Syria’s reinstatement as a member of the OIC was announced, following its suspension in 2012 due to the civil war.
The ceasefire initiated in January paused Israel’s extensive military operations in Gaza, aimed at dismantling Hamas after its attack on Israel in October 2023. The ceasefire allowed the exchange of hostages and increased hopes for a peaceful resolution. However, negotiations for a second phase furthering this ceasefire have become contentious, with Israel imposing restrictions on essential supplies into Gaza amid ongoing demands for hostages’ release.
Trump’s resettlement proposal for Gaza has met with strong opposition from Palestinians, who unequivocally reject the notion of leaving their homes. The OIC’s gathering also called for a transition from Hamas to an administrative committee for governance in Gaza under the Palestinian Authority, despite Israel’s opposition to PA involvement. Israel recently conducted strikes in Gaza, with reports indicating significant civilian casualties, highlighting the ongoing tension and violence in the region.
The conflict’s backdrop includes the October 2023 Hamas attack, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostage situations in Israel. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with casualties exceeding 48,000 Palestinians. The situation remains precarious, necessitating urgent international attention and resolution efforts.
In conclusion, Muslim nations have solidified their stance against President Trump’s proposal to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, instead advocating for Palestinian governance and reconstruction efforts in the region. The ceasefire’s fragility emphasizes the urgency of negotiations for long-term peace, as humanitarian conditions deteriorate amidst ongoing violence. The OIC’s decisions reflect a unified front against ethnic cleansing and highlight the need for comprehensive solutions to avert further suffering.
Original Source: apnews.com
