Beyza Binnur Donmez
20 October 2023•Update: 21 October 2023
GENEVA
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Geneva on Friday called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, which is reeling under Israel's massive response to Hamas' Oct. 7 operation.
The remarks came after OIC Ambassadorial Group's meeting with UN human rights chief Volker Turk, where they discussed the worsening situation in Palestine, especially in Gaza.
Group Coordinator Ambassador Khalil Hashmi and Ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi of Palestine along with other envoys condemned Israel's "flagrant human rights abuses and international humanitarian laws violations," the OIC said on X.
They "underscored urgency of immediate ceasefire, halting Israel’s forcible transfer of population from North Gaza, provision of urgent and unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies."
The group also called for an independent international investigation into this week's attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in northern Gaza, which killed hundreds and injured many others, and for provision of access to the UN Commission of Inquiry.
Welcoming Turk's statements, the group emphasized the need for "redoubling of public advocacy for an immediate end to hostilities and grave human rights abuses of occupied people of Palestine and imperative of preventive action."
For his part, Turk reiterated the need for full respect of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
At least 471 people were killed and 342 others injured in the Israeli airstrike on the medical facility, according to health officials in Gaza . Israel, however, has denied responsibility.
The deadly conflict in Gaza began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.
Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and increased settler violence against Palestinians.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, along with stepping up raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank.
In addition to launching a sweeping bombardment campaign ahead of an expected ground invasion, Israel ordered a "full siege" on Gaza that has led to electricity supplies being severed as water, food, fuel and medical supplies run out.
