Leaders of Arab states and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reaffirmed on Wednesday their unwavering support for the Palestinian people, calling for an immediate end to Israel’s genocidal aggression on Gaza and laying out a roadmap for reconstruction and long-term stability.

The joint declaration was issued at a multilateral summit convened on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Attended by representatives of Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, the meeting highlighted the determination of the Islamic world to confront Israeli crimes and push for accountability.

A Unified Voice Against Genocide in Gaza

The leaders described the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza as “beyond comprehension,” pointing to the staggering death toll, destruction of homes, and collapse of essential services under months of unrelenting bombardment. Since October 2023, nearly 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, with tens of thousands of them women and children, while over 166,000 have been injured. The majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with many forced to live in makeshift shelters or on the streets.

The joint statement underscored that ending the aggression and declaring a permanent ceasefire are not negotiable but an urgent humanitarian necessity. The leaders also stressed that all barriers to humanitarian aid must be lifted immediately, citing Israel’s deliberate obstruction of food, medicine, and fuel as part of its genocidal campaign.

Rejection of Forced Displacement and Defense of Jerusalem

The summit categorically rejected Israel’s attempts to forcibly displace Gaza’s population to Sinai or other areas, labeling it an extension of the Nakba. “Palestinians must not be exiled from their homeland again,” the statement read. The leaders reaffirmed that those forced to leave have the right to return and that Gaza’s demographic and political identity must not be tampered with.

Equally, the leaders highlighted the ongoing Israeli provocations in the West Bank and Jerusalem, including attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque and attempts to alter the holy city’s character. Protecting the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites remains, they affirmed, a shared duty of the Muslim Ummah.

A Comprehensive Reconstruction Plan for Gaza

Beyond condemning aggression, the summit advanced a vision for Gaza’s reconstruction. The Arab states and the OIC have developed a framework to rebuild homes, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. The plan, they noted, must be implemented in close cooperation with Palestinian leadership and backed by international funding and logistical support.

“This is not just about rebuilding walls and roads,” said one participating leader. “It is about restoring dignity, livelihoods, and hope to a people who have been systematically deprived of their basic rights.”

The summit highlighted that Gaza’s healthcare system lies in ruins, with most hospitals destroyed or shut down, medicine supplies depleted, and medical workers deliberately targeted. Rebuilding this system was declared a top priority.

Global Responsibility and the Failure of the International Community

The leaders condemned the double standards of Western powers, particularly the United States and European governments, who continue to provide Israel with military, financial, and diplomatic cover while ignoring war crimes and crimes against humanity. They urged the international community to abandon complicity and hold Israel accountable under international law, including at the International Criminal Court.

“Silence in the face of genocide is complicity in the crime itself,” the statement declared. “It is not enough to express concern; the world must act to stop the bloodshed and allow justice to prevail.”

Türkiye and Regional Solidarity

Türkiye’s participation, alongside major Arab and Islamic states, underscored Ankara’s continued role as a champion of the Palestinian cause. The summit built on a tradition of Islamic solidarity, recalling the sacrifices of flotilla activists, aid workers, and doctors who gave their lives in the struggle to break Gaza’s blockade.

The summit concluded with a clear message: achieving an immediate ceasefire, opening humanitarian corridors, and rebuilding Gaza are only the first steps. The ultimate goal remains ending the occupation, securing Palestinian independence, and ensuring the right of return.

“Breaking Gaza’s siege is not the responsibility of Palestinians alone—it is a shared duty of all humanity,” the leaders declared. “Gaza’s cry is humanity’s test. In this test, we stand with the oppressed, with justice, with dignity, and with the children of Gaza who deserve life, not death.” (ILKHA)