OIC Urges UNSC to Face Israel’s “Arrogance and Disrespect”

New York, 12 Rajab 1437/19 April 2016 (MINA) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reiterated that all arrogant and disrespectful acts by Israel towards the occupied Palestinian territory constitute a flagrant violation of the international law and resolutions of international legitimacy.

Speaking on behalf of the OIC, before the Security Council, Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi affirmed that Israel fuels extremism, violence and racism, and religious conflict, all of which demand the urgent attention and action of the world’s top body, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting KUNA.

“It is incomprehensible that Israel continues perpetrating violations and crimes without response or punishment,” he said.

“Therefore, the OIC once again called on the Security Council to assume its responsibility for providing the Palestinian people with international protection.

This Council and the High Contracting Parties to the 4th Geneva Convention have clear responsibilities in ensuring the protection and security of the Palestinian people.”

Al-Otaibi stressed that the right to security should not be exclusive to Israel; security is a right that should be provided to and enjoyed by all nations, and the victims of this nearly five-decade long illegal, foreign occupation should not be the exception.

At the same time, the OIC emphasized that an exit from the current crisis and revival of peace prospects will not be possible without compelling Israel, the occupying force, to end its illegal construction and expansion of its colonial settlements and the wall in Occupied Palestine, including East Jerusalem.

“This is an urgent priority in line with the Security Council’s own resolutions and imperative for saving the two-state solution from demise,” he said.

Kuwait’s representative reiterated OIC’s call for “a resolution that sets a specific timetable and practical steps to end Israel’s occupation in all manifestations, including the illegal settlement regime, on the basis of relevant Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles and the Arab Peace Initiative.”

In his speech, Al-Otaibi noted that since the last Council debate on this matter in January, Israel has continued killing and injuring Palestinian civilians, especially youth.

Since the current wave of unrest began in October 2015, Israel’s “shoot to kill” policy has claimed the lives of more than 204 Palestinian civilians, 48 of whom were children. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)