The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Denounces the Decision of the Israeli Occupation Authorities to Ban the Work of International Humanitarian Organizations in the Gaza Strip

SadaNews - The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed its strong condemnation of the recent decision by the Israeli occupation authorities to prevent 37 international non-governmental organizations working in the humanitarian and health relief sector from operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, specifically in the Gaza Strip. It emphasized that these organizations play a vital and indispensable role in alleviating humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

The General Secretariat warned of the seriousness of this arbitrary Israeli measure, which could severely exacerbate the catastrophic humanitarian suffering in Gaza due to Israeli restrictions that hinder the delivery of sufficient humanitarian and medical aid to the region.

The General Secretariat also affirmed that the decision of the Israeli authorities is illegal and constitutes a flagrant violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which obligates the Israeli occupation to facilitate the work of international and humanitarian organizations and calls for allowing sufficient and unobstructed access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Furthermore, the General Secretariat urged the international community to take the necessary measures and to exert effective pressure on the Israeli occupation authorities to retract this decision and to ensure the protection of workers in humanitarian organizations and their freedom to operate unconditionally throughout the Palestinian territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip.