OIC Condemns Israeli Attack on Hebron and Displacement of 1,500 Palestinians

Riyadh, October 24 (KUNA) -- The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, today on Saturday strongly condemned the wide-ranging Israeli attack on the city of Hebron, which resulted in the demolition of dozens of homes and the forced displacement of approximately 1,500 Palestinian citizens from their homes. He described this as a serious escalation that falls within the framework of the ethnic cleansing and forced displacement policies carried out by the Israeli occupying forces and extremist settlers.

In a statement, the Secretary-General warned of the dangers of these colonial schemes aimed at altering the demographic and geographical character of Hebron and its surroundings, emphasizing that the systematic demolitions and mass displacements constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

He also denounced the continued Israeli violations against holy sites in the city, including the ongoing closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque and the prevention of worshippers from reaching it, considering this a flagrant assault on freedom of worship and the sanctity of holy places.

The Secretary-General placed full responsibility on the Israeli occupation for the repercussions of these crimes and serious violations, reiterating his call for the international community and the UN Security Council to take immediate and effective action to halt the aggression against Hebron, prevent the displacement of its residents, hold the occupation accountable for its crimes, and provide urgent international protection to the Palestinian people. (End) A.S. / M.M.J.