OIC foreign ministers’ key meeting to be held today

JEDDAH: Foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are set to meet in Jeddah on Thursday for an important session expected to focus on Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The meeting comes as the humanitarian and political situation in the Palestinian territories remains a major concern for OIC member states. Delegates are expected to discuss and adopt a resolution condemning what the organisation describes as unlawful Israeli measures in Gaza and the West Bank.

The draft resolution was finalised during a senior officials’ meeting held on Wednesday. Pakistan was represented at the preparatory session by its permanent representative, Syed Fawad Sher.

The foreign ministers’ gathering is expected to provide member states with an opportunity to coordinate their position on the escalating Palestinian crisis and discuss possible diplomatic steps.

Alongside the Palestine-related discussions, the meeting is also expected to address the appointment of the OIC’s new secretary general. A decision on the nomination could be made during Thursday’s session.

The Jeddah meeting is being closely watched because of the OIC’s role as the collective voice of 57 Muslim-majority and Muslim countries. Any resolution adopted at the meeting could signal the organisation’s shared diplomatic position on the ongoing crisis.

The gathering also highlights renewed efforts among Muslim countries to maintain a coordinated stance on developments affecting Gaza and the West Bank.