The Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, has called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the ongoing crisis in Palestine. The call comes amid escalating violence in the region, with Israeli airstrikes targeting the besieged Gaza Strip and clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters across the West Bank. In this article, we will take a closer look at President Rouhani’s statements and examine the potential outcomes and implications of an emergency OIC meeting on the situation in Palestine.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi recently called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to hold an urgent meeting to discuss the current situation in Palestine. Speaking to Indonesian President Joko Widodo in a telephone conversation, Raisi stressed the need for the Muslim ummah to support the rights of the Palestinian people and fight against the Zionist regime.
Raisi described Palestine as the heart of the Muslim world and underscored the importance of unity among Islamic nations. He called for greater convergence among Muslim countries and welcomed any initiative that would deepen ties among them. The president also pointed to the longstanding diplomatic relations between Tehran and Jakarta and emphasized the need for strengthening economic cooperation and trade ties between the two countries.
President Widodo, in response to Raisi’s proposal, expressed his support for the convening of an emergency meeting of the OIC. He hoped that this would help further strengthen relations among Muslim nations. Widodo also stressed the need for Iran and Indonesia to expand their ties in favor of their mutual interests.
The call for an urgent OIC meeting comes amid escalating tensions in Palestine. Israeli forces have twice invaded the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in recent days, attacking Palestinian worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan. The actions of Israeli forces have been met with widespread condemnation from the Muslim world, with many countries and organizations calling for a united front against Israel.
The OIC is a significant body in the Muslim world, with 57 member states spanning four continents. The organization serves as a platform for the coordination of cooperation and policies among its members, particularly concerning issues affecting the Muslim world.
The call for an OIC meeting comes at a time when the Muslim world is facing a host of challenges, including rising unemployment, poverty, and instability. Many Muslim countries are grappling with the effects of conflicts, extremism, and terrorism that have devastated their economies and societies. At the same time, they are also working to advance their economic development and modernization efforts.
Despite these challenges, there have been many efforts to promote greater unity among Islamic nations. The OIC has taken steps to promote economic cooperation among its members, including through the establishment of the Islamic Development Bank, which provides financing for economic development projects. The bank has helped fund projects in fields such as agriculture, industry, health, education, and infrastructure across its member states.
Many countries have also sought to enhance their bilateral ties with other Muslim nations. Iran, in particular, has sought to strengthen its ties with other Muslim countries through various initiatives. These include the signing of economic cooperation agreements, joint ventures in various sectors, and cultural and educational exchanges. Similarly, Indonesia has been working to promote greater economic and cultural ties with other Muslim nations, including through initiatives such as the Indonesian Islamic Economic Forum.
In conclusion, the call for an urgent OIC meeting by President Raisi is a significant step in rallying support for the Palestinian cause and promoting greater unity among Muslim nations. It is essential for Islamic countries to come together and support the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination and an end to the Zionist regime’s atrocities. At the same time, there is a need for greater cooperation and solidarity among Muslim nations to address the many challenges that confront them. The OIC can play a vital role in promoting such cooperation and coordination, and its urgent meeting should be welcomed by all Muslims worldwide.
