OIC Condemns Israeli Occupation Authorities’ Decision to Ban International Humanitarian Organizations from Operating in Gaza

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the recent decision by the Israeli occupation authorities to prevent 37 international non-governmental organizations operating in the humanitarian and health sectors from carrying out their activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The Secretariat stressed that these organizations play an indispensable role in alleviating humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
 The OIC General Secretariat warned of the grave consequences of this arbitrary Israeli measure, which is likely to dangerously exacerbate the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli restrictions that hinder the entry of sufficient humanitarian and medical aid.
 It affirmed that the decision by the Israeli authorities is illegal and constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which obliges the Israeli occupation to facilitate the work of international and humanitarian organizations and to allow the adequate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.
 The OIC General Secretariat called on the international community to take the necessary measures and exert effective pressure on the Israeli occupation authorities to reverse this decision, ensure the protection of humanitarian workers, and guarantee the freedom of humanitarian organizations to operate without restriction throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip.