Muslim Nations Unite to Address Gaza Crisis and Reject Displacement Plans
Rejection of Trump’s Resettlement Plan and Support for Palestinian Rights
Foreign ministers from Muslim-majority nations gathered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the escalating crisis in Gaza, following a deadly Israel-Hamas conflict. The gathering came amid heightened tensions and a shaky ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has been in place since mid-January. The ministers unanimously rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial call to permanently resettle the Palestinian population of Gaza, a proposal widely condemned as ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law.
In a strong statement, the OIC, representing 57 nations, declared its opposition to any plans aimed at displacing Palestinians, either individually or collectively, labeling such actions as a grave violation of humanity and international law. The ministers also denounced what they described as “policies of starvation” aimed at forcing Palestinians to leave their homeland. This stance underscores the Muslim world’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people amidst ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.
A Vision for Gaza’s Reconstruction and Governance
The OIC meeting also focused on a plan to rebuild Gaza, proposed by Egypt and supported by Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan. This initiative seeks to counter Trump’s resettlement suggestion and instead promote a path toward stability and reconstruction in the war-torn territory. Central to this plan is the establishment of an administrative committee to govern Gaza, which would operate under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority (PA), based in the West Bank.
However, this proposal faces significant challenges, as Israel has categorically rejected any role for the PA in Gaza, despite not offering a viable alternative for post-war governance. The OIC’s support for this plan reflects the Muslim world’s desire to empower Palestinian institutions and ensure that reconstruction efforts are led by Palestinians themselves, rather than external actors.
Syria’s Reinstatement to the OIC
In another significant development, the OIC voted to reinstate Syria as a member of the organization after more than a decade of suspension. Syria was expelled in 2012 due to former President Bashar Assad’s brutal crackdown on opposition protests, which marked the beginning of a devastating civil war. While Assad was ousted in December 2023 by Islamist-led insurgents, who have since established a transitional government, Syria’s readmission to the OIC highlights shifting political dynamics in the region and the organization’s efforts to promote unity in addressing pressing issues like the Gaza crisis.
The Fragile Ceasefire and Humanitarian Emergency
The OIC meeting took place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has been tested in recent days. The initial phase of the ceasefire, brokered in January, included the release of 25 Israeli hostages held by militants in Gaza and the bodies of eight others, in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. However, the second phase of the agreement, intended to secure the release of remaining hostages and achieve a lasting truce, has hit a roadblock.
Israel has refused to negotiate the terms of the second phase, instead demanding that Hamas release half of its remaining hostages in exchange for an extended ceasefire and a commitment to future talks. This impasse has led to furtherescalation, with Israel imposing a strict blockade on Gaza, barring essential supplies like food, fuel, and medicine for the territory’s two million residents. This move has deepened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where conditions were already dire after weeks of intense fighting.
Israeli Strikes and Mounting Casualties
The ongoing tensions were further exacerbated by an Israeli strike in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, which killed two Palestinians on Saturday. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted individuals operating a drone that had entered Israeli airspace from Gaza. This incident underscores the volatility of the situation, as both sides continue to trade accusations and engage in actions that risk unraveling the ceasefire entirely.
Since the start of the conflict in October, the humanitarian toll in Gaza has been staggering. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 48,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in Israeli military operations. While the ministry does not specify how many of the dead were militants, the scale of civilian casualties has drawn widespread international condemnation. On the other side, Hamas’ October attack on southern Israel killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to the capture of 251 hostages, many of whom have since been released. Hamas is believed to still hold 24 living hostages and the bodies of 34 others.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainty
As the OIC concludes its emergency meeting, the situation in Gaza remains fraught with uncertainty. The rejection of Trump’s resettlement plan and the endorsement of an Egyptian-backed reconstruction initiative reflect the Muslim world’s determination to protect Palestinian rights and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, the failure to achieve progress on the ceasefire’s second phase and Israel’s rigid stance on governance in Gaza highlight the significant obstacles that lie ahead.
The international community is urged to intensify efforts to address the humanitarian emergency in Gaza, where millions face starvation and inadequate access to essential supplies. Without a concerted push for a lasting truce, accountability for war crimes, and a framework for sustainable peace, the cycle of violence and suffering in Gaza is likely to persist, with far-reaching consequences for the region and the world.
