OIC Calls for Concerted Efforts to Address Humanitarian Challenges in Gaza

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) participated in the 37th session of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) held virtually in Amman, Jordan. The meeting, which took place on April 16, 2024, brought together 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, the OIC Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs, called for concerted efforts and initiatives across Red Crescent societies in the Muslim world to address the humanitarian challenges in Gaza. The session was held amid serious humanitarian challenges for the Muslim world due to natural disasters and conflicts.

The primary objectives of the meeting were to deliberate and formulate a coherent stance concerning the deteriorating compliance with humanitarian law in Gaza, as well as to monitor and document the grave violations witnessed in the region. Mohammed Al-Hadid, the President of the Jordan Red Crescent Society, condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and called for robust documentation of the occupation's violations of international humanitarian law.

Ali Mahmoud Buhedma, the Chairman of the ICIC, also condemned the relentless aggression by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza and urged the international community to take decisive action to halt the aggression and protect civilians. A joint cooperation agreement was signed between the ICIC and the Jordan Red Crescent Society on the sidelines of the conference.

Why this matters: The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been a long-standing issue, with the region facing numerous challenges due to conflicts and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The OIC's call for concerted efforts highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and support to address the humanitarian crisis and protect the rights of civilians in the region.

The meeting acknowledged Jordan's central role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The participants emphasized the importance of documenting the grave violations of international humanitarian law in the region and called for decisive action from the international community to halt the aggression and protect civilians. The joint cooperation agreement between the ICIC and the Jordan Red Crescent Society aims to strengthen collaboration in addressing the humanitarian challenges in Gaza.

Key Takeaways

• OIC participated in ICIC meeting to discuss Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
• OIC called for concerted efforts by Muslim Red Crescent societies to address Gaza's challenges.
• Meeting aimed to document violations of humanitarian law in Gaza and demand international action.
• Jordan Red Crescent Society condemned Israeli aggression and signed cooperation agreement with ICIC.
• Article emphasizes urgent need for international cooperation to address Gaza's humanitarian crisis.