OIC says committed to preserving Al Quds identity

CAIRO - 21 August 2017: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said on Monday it is committed to protecting the Arab and Islamic identity of Al Quds amid continued Israeli violations in the city.

"The safety of the holy sites in Al Quds is closely linked to the stability and security of the region," the OIC said in a statement marking the 48th anniversary of the burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque attempt.

The organization held Israel responsible for the safety of the holy sites it occupies. "International conventions ban any occupying state from attacking the sites of worshiping and ensure free access to them," it said.

It rejected attempts to undermine the Palestinian sovereignty in Al Quds, calling on the international community to force Israel to respect international law and end its occupation of the Palestinian lands.