15th OIC Summit: Egypt calls for decisive action against 'delusions' of eradicating Palestinian cause

CAIRO – 4 May 2024: Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has reiterated the global and Arab rejection of any plans to displace the Palestinian people from their lands, aiming to eradicate the Palestinian cause.

Speaking at the 15th summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Banjul, Gambia, Shoukry called for a “decisive stand” against the “delusions” of eradicating the Palestinian cause.

“The proud Palestinian people, steadfast on their land, along with the Islamic and Arab peoples and the peoples of the free world, have not and will not accept the forced removal of the landowners from their occupied territories, in violation of international conventions,” stated Shoukry.

He emphasized the establishment of a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the borders of June 4, 1967, as the indispensable means to achieve lasting and equitable peace and ensure stability in the Middle East.

“The expansion of the conflict in the Red Sea and the region is a clear indication that the Israeli approach rejecting peace will drag the entire region into unprecedented threats,” stressed Shoukry.

Furthermore, he highlighted the need to “firmly confront double standards,” as demonstrated during the Gaza conflict.

“While international obligations, including the decisions of the International Court of Justice, are applicable in all cases, Gaza has witnessed a disregard for these conventions,” Shoukry said.

“This proves that some believe that legal rules apply to certain parties and not to all, a notion we firmly reject,” he added.

 

Shoukry warned that double standards serve as a catalyst for extremists to fuel terrorism in opposition to the concepts of dialogue and tolerance.

“The impacts and consequences of supporting what is happening in Gaza through silence extend beyond the Palestinian territories and the region, leaving a deep wound on the conscience of societies,” stated Shoukry.

He called for pressure to be exerted to implement relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly in order to achieve a ceasefire amid this bloody aggression.

Shoukry also cautioned against Israeli plans to invade the Palestinian city of Rafah, which serves as the last refuge for nearly 1.5 million displaced Palestinians.

Hindering aid

He held Israel responsible for imposing “illegal obstacles” that hinder the swift, safe, and sustainable delivery of relief aid.

“Despite Islamic solidarity and the opening of the Rafah crossing from the Egyptian side, Israel continues to impose a siege and collective punishment,” emphasized the Foreign Minister.

Since October 7, the Israeli war has resulted in the death of over 34,600 Palestinians and injured more than 77,900, according to Gaza's health ministry on Saturday.

These unrelenting attacks have also caused significant damage to the healthcare infrastructure in Gaza, leading to the displacement of most of the population to the Palestinian city of Rafah in southern Gaza, near the border with Egypt.