The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has issued a statement blaming Israel for the attack that killed Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. The 57-member bloc held Israel responsible for the “heinous attack” and described it as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty. The Gambia, which chairs the OIC, warned that the assassination and the ongoing conflict in Gaza could escalate into a wider regional conflict.
Iran and Palestine called for the OIC meeting, which took place in Saudi Arabia and was also attended by the United States. While Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel, the US and other Western countries have been calling for de-escalation to prevent further crises in the region.
The US State Department spokesperson emphasized the importance of reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and urged all parties involved to avoid escalation. The US has presented a multi-phased Israeli proposal for ending the war, which includes the release of captives and prisoners on both sides leading to lasting peace.
During the meeting, the Gambia’s Foreign Minister called for a durable peace that addresses the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He stressed the need for humanitarian aid to reach those in need and for a sustainable political solution that promotes peace and security for all people in the region.
Overall, the OIC meeting highlighted the tensions and complexities of the situation in the Middle East, with calls for restraint and diplomacy to prevent further escalation and work towards long-term peace.
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