Gambiaj.com – (JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has vowed to intensify its efforts in seeking justice for Palestinians after the killing of Hamas’ external chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. The Gambia’s Foreign Minister, Mamadou Tangara, who chaired an emergency meeting of the 57-member body, made this declaration, underscoring that such acts of violence would only reinforce the resolve of those fighting for peace and justice in the region.

Speaking at the session, Tangara condemned the killing of Haniyeh, asserting that it would not suppress the Palestinian cause but rather bring greater urgency to the quest for a just resolution. “Those who seek peace and justice will only be more determined by actions like Haniyeh’s killing,” Tangara stated.

“The aggression and violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the assassination of a political leader on its soil is an act that cannot be viewed in isolation,” Tangara said.

The emergency session was convened at the request of Iran and Pakistan and included representatives from the 57 member states of the OIC. Unlike the smaller Arab League, the OIC’s membership encompasses influential non-Arab states such as Iran and Turkey, providing a broader platform for addressing Islamic world issues.

Haniyeh’s killing in Tehran, which Iran attributes to Israel, has further strained relations between Israel and several Middle Eastern countries. In response, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah in Lebanon have threatened retaliation, heightening fears of a broader conflict in the region. Israel has yet to officially comment on the allegations.

Tangara emphasized the importance of respecting international principles, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as outlined in the charters of the United Nations and the OIC. “These principles are fundamental to maintaining international order,” he noted, suggesting that the breach of these norms could have far-reaching consequences.

The killing of Haniyeh and a subsequent targeted killing of a military commander of Hezbollah in Lebanon have heightened the risk of a major conflict in the Middle East. Tangara condemned these actions, affirming that they would not deter the pursuit of justice for Palestinians. He stressed that such incidents highlight the urgent need for peace and understanding in the region.

The OIC’s session also addressed the recent killing of a Hezbollah military commander in Lebanon, another incident that has contributed to the growing risk of war in the Middle East. Tangara reiterated that such actions only underline the need for peace and understanding in a region already fraught with tension.

As the chair of the OIC, Gambia is now at the forefront of the international response to these developments. Tangara’s strong stance reflects the broader sentiment within the OIC, as member states prepare to ramp up their advocacy for Palestinian rights on the global stage.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to strengthen diplomatic and political efforts aimed at achieving justice for Palestinians and ensuring that the principles of international law are upheld in the Middle East.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The OIC aims to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony.

Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by several countries including the United States and the European Union, is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization. Ismail Haniyeh, its external chief, had been a prominent figure in the organization, advocating for the Palestinian cause on the international stage. His killing marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions.

As tensions mount in the Middle East, the OIC, under Gambia’s chairmanship, faces the challenging task of navigating a path towards peace and justice. Tangara’s call for intensified efforts in seeking justice for Palestinians resonates with the broader goals of the OIC, reinforcing the commitment of its member states to address and resolve conflicts through diplomatic and peaceful means.