Organization of Islamic Cooperation Condemns Israeli Colonial Practices
In a bold statement released on Monday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) denounced the ongoing Israeli colonial practices, specifically highlighting the confiscation of thousands of acres of Palestinian land.
Seizing Cultural Heritage in the West Bank
The Jeddah-based organization expressed deep concern over the latest act of seizing archaeological sites in Sebastia village in the West Bank. The OIC emphasized that these actions are part of Israel’s discriminatory policy targeting numerous archaeological, historical, scientific, and religious sites in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
Erasing Palestinian Cultural Identity
Accusing Israel of attempting to “erase and destroy the cultural and civilizational heritage of the Palestinian people,” the OIC condemned these actions as a blatant violation of international laws and conventions. The organization called on UNESCO to intervene immediately to protect the tangible and intangible cultural assets in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Largest Land Seizure in Decades
In a recent development, Israel approved the largest seizure of land in the occupied West Bank in over three decades, as reported by the anti-settlement watchdog group, Peace Now. Authorities sanctioned the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometers (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley, marking the largest single land grab since the 1993 Oslo accords.