Iran has called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the recent escalation of violence in Palestine. The move comes as tensions continue to rise between Israelis and Palestinians, with a significant increase in violence in recent weeks. Iranian leaders have condemned the Israeli government’s actions and are calling on the OIC to take action to protect the rights of Palestinians. This article will examine the current situation in Palestine and the reasons why Iran is seeking this emergency meeting. It will also look at the possible outcomes of the meeting and what it could mean for the ongoing conflict in the region.
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has called for an emergency session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation [OIC] on the situation in Palestine in the aftermath of Israeli incursions and raids. In a telephone conversation with his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo on Thursday, Raisi denounced Israeli actions at Al Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. He emphasised the importance of holding an emergency session of the 57-member body of Muslim countries on the prevailing situation in Palestine. Raisi further stressed that unity of the Islamic world is essential to confront Israeli aggression while reaffirming Iran’s support to efforts at strengthening unity between Muslim countries. The Indonesian president welcomed the proposal to convene the special OIC summit and make a joint decision to defend Palestine.
Tensions have been running high in Israel-occupied East Jerusalem after Israeli forces stormed the Al Aqsa Mosque for the second time on Wednesday, prompting widespread condemnation from Muslim countries. Palestinian Muslims were offering special Ramadan prayers at Al Aqsa when the first raid took place, and the second raid followed after several hundred Palestinians were arrested. During the second raid, Israeli forces tossed stun grenades and forced Muslim worshippers to leave. Palestinian groups in besieged Gaza launched rocket attacks in retaliation.
In his phone call with Widodo, Raisi stressed that “supporting” the rights of Palestinians and “fighting” Israel is an “unchangeable principle in the structure of the Islamic Ummah”. He described Palestine as a “beating heart of the Islamic world” and said it was crucial to unite to confront Israeli aggression. Raisi’s viewpoint is reflective of Iran’s historic and consistent stance on Palestine, as it has supported Palestinian resistance for decades. Iran also denounces Israel as a “Zionist entity” and a cause of regional instability.
Despite the antagonistic stance of the Islamic Republic government towards Israel, there is a degree of nuance in Iran’s attitude towards the question of Palestine. While Iran is adamant in its support for Palestinian rights, it also conducts its foreign-policy calculus on the basis of its strategic interests. Iran advocates resistance and support for Palestinian militant groups as a means of confronting Israel, but it also seeks to expand its own regional influence by potentially using these groups as proxies in carrying out its agenda in the Middle East.
The recent violence in Jerusalem has also manifested into a political issue in Iran, as the country prepares for its presidential elections in June. As Raisi is a presidential candidate, this has given him an opportunity to highlight his credentials as a devout Muslim and defender of Palestinian rights. He has heavily criticised Israeli actions in his speeches, calling for international support to stop the Zionist aggression. While it remains to be seen whether Raisi or any other candidate can use this issue to their advantage in the presidential race, Iran’s position on Palestine will remain a central component of its regional agenda.
In conclusion, Iran’s call for the emergency session of the OIC signals its intent to take a leadership role in defending Palestinian rights and confronting Israel. It is also a reflection of the deep concern across the Islamic world over Israel’s continued aggression against Palestinians. The situation in Jerusalem is liable to further inflame tensions in the region, particularly if Israel continues to use force against Palestinian worshippers.
