OIC Condemns Israeli Statements on Philadelphi Corridor, Backs Egypt

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha condemned recent Israeli statements attempting to justify the continued illegal presence of the Israeli occupation forces in the Philadelphi Corridor (Salah al-Din axis). Taha characterized these statements as an attempt to evade responsibility for violating the ceasefire agreement and prolonging the Israeli military aggression, genocide, starvation, siege, and forced displacement of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

 The secretary-general expressed the organization's solidarity with Egypt, recognizing its crucial historical role in promoting peace, security, and stability within the region. He urged the international community to take immediate and decisive action to enforce a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphi Corridor and the entire Gaza Strip, as per UN Security Council Resolution 2735, adopted on June 10, 2024.

 He also denounced the Israeli prime minister's presentation of a map that excluded the occupied West Bank. He categorized this act as a continuation of racist and illegal Israeli policies that deny the existence and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He also stated that this action represents an attempt to solidify the illegal colonial occupation and settlement regime in the occupied Palestinian territory, undermining the viability of a two-state solution.

 Taha called upon the international community, particularly the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly, to uphold the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion declaring the Israeli occupation illegal. He urged these bodies to consider further action necessary to bring a swift end to Israel's unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.