Jeddah: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) announced plans to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to address Israel's ongoing assaults against Palestinians. The Jeddah-based organization stated that the meeting will be held at the level of permanent representatives to discuss the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and targeting of holy sites, particularly the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil (Hebron).

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting is set against the backdrop of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, exacerbated by alleged acts of genocide, starvation, and displacement by the Israeli occupation. The organization highlighted the heightened Israeli attacks on places of worship as a critical issue to be addressed.

In a related development, Palestine has requested an urgent meeting of the Arab League, also scheduled for Tuesday, focusing on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the Arab League, Muhannad Al-Aklouk, urged attendees to deliberate on the ongoing violations against Palestinians and their holy sites in the occupied West Bank.

The Arab League subsequently confirmed an emergency meeting of its Council at the level of permanent representatives to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While specific details remain sparse, the gravity of the situation underscores the urgency of the gathering.

Reports from the Health Ministry indicate that at least 18 Palestinians have died from starvation in Gaza in the past 24 hours, underscoring the catastrophic humanitarian conditions amid relentless bombardment. The Israeli military continues its offensive on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 59,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children. The sustained attacks have led to severe food shortages and widespread disease.

The ongoing conflict has drawn international legal scrutiny. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is currently facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.