https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:47:20 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230805-denmark-studying-legal-measures-to-prevent-quran-burning-egyptian-foreign-ministry/ Sat, 05 Aug 2023 13:29:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658102 Denmark is studying several measures and legislation to prevent the recurrence of Quran burning incidents, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Friday, Anadolu reports. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen affirmed this in a phone call with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement. Rasmussen told Shoukry that the recent incidents involving the burning and desecration of the Quran in Denmark were "regrettable and contradicted Denmark's societal values," the statement added. Reiterating Egypt's strong condemnation of Quran burning, Shoukry said that such incidents provoke Muslims worldwide. READ: Iran-born Swedish woman burns Quran in Stockholm He also affirmed that these incidents violate human rights, threaten peaceful coexistence and fuel extremism. On Tuesday, despite wide-ranging condemnation, members […]]]> 658102 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-danish-ultranationalists-continue-to-desecrate-quran-burning-holy-book-for-3rd-day-in-a-row/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 18:47:14 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657555 Members of the ultranationalist group known as Danske Patrioter (Danish Patriots) continued the desecration of Muslims' holy book, the Quran, for the third consecutive day on Wednesday in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, as they burned a copy of the Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy for the second day in a row, Anadolu Agency reports. Under the protection of local police, the members of the group chanted slogans against Islam in front of the embassy and unfurled anti-Islamic banners as well as ones calling for a boycott of Turkish products. Despite worldwide condemnation, members of the Danske Patrioter burned a copy of the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy on Tuesday. The members of the group chanted anti-Islamic […]]]> 657555 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-oic-israeli-violations-at-al-aqsa-mosque-provoke-muslims-around-the-world/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:51:42 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657183 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation said on Tuesday that Israel's aggressive violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque provoke Muslims around the world. The comment about "dangerous violations" was made during the 18th Extraordinary Online Session of the OIC's Council of Foreign Ministers. "The [ongoing] violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque amount to a flagrant breach of international law and unprecedented contempt for the historic and legal status quo," said the OIC council. "We have concerns about the attempts of the extremist [Israeli] settlers to ignite a religious conflict through the imposition of a spatial and temporal division [between Muslims and Jews at Al-Aqsa Mosque]." The council described the latest raid and desecration of the Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa by Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar […]]]> 657183 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-are-un-resolutions-effective/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:35:00 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657087 On 25 July, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution titled "Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech" which lists and condemns a number of religion-related acts of violence and hatred. In particular, the text "Strongly deplor[es] all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, as well as any such acts directed against their religious symbols, holy books, homes, businesses, properties, schools, cultural centres or places of worship, as well as all attacks on and in religious places, sites and shrines in violation of international law." This follows a similar text adopted earlier in July by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that "call[ed] upon States […]]]> 657087 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-turkiye-vows-to-promote-principles-against-islamophobia-monitor-hate-crimes/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:17:25 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657092 Turkiye will exert maximum effort to advocate for a set of principles and actively monitor their application in countries where anti-Islamic hate crimes occur, Turkish diplomatic sources said in a statement Monday, Anadolu Agency reports. The statement came as Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, attended a video meeting organised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). "Turkiye will share its existing evidence on this issue with OIC members in organisations such as the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Commission against racism and intolerance," the statement added. The OIC also welcomed the distribution, at Kuwait's expense, of 100,000 copies of the Muslim holy book, the Quran, in […]]]> 657092 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-denmark-will-continue-close-dialogue-with-muslim-countries-over-quran-burnings/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:51:26 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657089 Denmark said, Monday, that it has noted the latest declaration by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) following a recent string of public desecrations of the Quran, saying it will continue close dialogue with the group's member states, Anadolu Agency reports. "Denmark has condemned the recent Quran burnings and is exploring the possibility of intervening in special situations within Danish freedom of expression," Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, said on Twitter. Releasing a statement following a session of its Council of Foreign Ministers on Monday, the OIC "strongly condemned" the recent Quran burnings in Sweden and Denmark, expressing "deeply regret" that these incidents continue to be allowed by the authorities. In a statement late Sunday, the Danish government said […]]]> 657089 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230731-denmark-hopes-bid-to-ban-quran-burnings-will-ease-tensions-with-muslim-countries/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:43:10 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656727 Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, said on Monday he hoped the government's proposal to limit Quran burnings in the country would help de-escalate a growing international conflict with several Muslim countries, Reuters reports. Denmark and Sweden have seen several protests in recent weeks where copies of the Quran have been burned, or otherwise damaged, prompting outrage in Muslim countries, which have demanded the Nordic governments put a stop to the burnings. The Danish government said on Sunday it would seek to find a "legal tool" that could enable authorities to intervene in such protests, if deemed to entail "significant negative consequences for Denmark, not least with regard to security". READ: Qurans burnt in front of Egypt, Turkiye embassies in Denmark "The fact that we are […]]]> 656727 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230728-the-pros-and-cons-of-israel-recognising-moroccos-sovereignty-over-the-western-sahara/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:00:32 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656042 Following the Israeli recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara, Israeli voices are still raising more questions about the feasibility of this step, and whether it will be beneficial, or if it will be followed by greater harm, especially since such a step may face criticism on the international scene. This may be added to the criticisms the Occupation State is already facing regarding its behaviour in the Palestinian arena. While this step is consistent with Israel's stances towards the Palestinians, it contradicts international resolutions issued by the UN and EU, which may raise many questions related to annexation and occupation. The first Israeli benefit from this step is that it will gain broader control in Africa. There is […]]]> 656042 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230728-oic-arab-league-submit-statements-to-icj-over-israels-gross-violations-in-palestine/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:25:18 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656004 The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has presented written submissions to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the legal consequences of Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The OIC stressed that Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territory amount to "gross violations of human rights guaranteed by international law." "The Israeli colonial occupation of Palestinian Territory is unlawful and constitutes a violation of relevant UN resolutions and international law," it said, while demanding an immediate cessation of such practices. In the document, the OIC reaffirmed its "absolute and unwavering" support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, return and the embodiment of the […]]]> 656004 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-oic-suspends-swedens-special-envoy-status/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:00:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654856 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said on Sunday that it has informed the government in Stockholm that it has suspended Sweden's special envoy status to the organisation after the desecration of copies of the Holy Qur'an by protesters in the North European country. The OIC has 57 Muslim-majority countries in its membership. The general secretariat of the organisation said that this step comes in line with the recommendations of the final communique issued by the OIC Executive Committee's extraordinary meeting held on 2 July. "The meeting asked Secretary-General H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha to consider possible steps to review the official framework linking the general secretariat to any country in which copies of the Holy Qur'an or other Islamic values […]]]> 654856 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230712-un-human-rights-council-condemns-attacks-on-quran-despite-western-states-rejection/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:28:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652011 The UN Human Rights Council condemned recent attacks on the Muslim holy book, the Quran, despite Western countries' votes against the resolution, Anadolu Agency reports. The draft resolution was presented by Pakistan on behalf of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The resolution, which calls for condemnation of attacks targeting the Quran and described them as "acts of religious hatred", was put to vote by the 47-member council. The resolution was adopted with 28 countries voting in favour, 12 countries voting against it, and seven countries abstaining at the 53rd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council. Countries that voted in favour of the resolution included Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, […]]]> 652011 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-un-rights-council-to-hold-emergency-session-to-discuss-quran-burning-in-sweden/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:46:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649694 The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold an emergency session later this week to discuss the burning of the Quran in Sweden, a spokesman said Tuesday. Last Wednesday, a man – identified as Salwan Momika – burned a copy of the Quran under police protection in front of Stockholm Mosque, causing outrage. "The UN Human Rights Council will hold an urgent debate to "discuss the alarming rise in premeditated and public acts of religious hatred, as manifested by the current desecration of the holy Quran in some European and other countries," council spokesman Pascal Sim told reporters. "This urgent debate will be convened following a request of Pakistan, sent on behalf of several members of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, including […]]]> 649694 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230703-iran-calls-israel-military-operation-in-jenin-state-terrorism/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:07:02 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649027 Iran has denounced an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin as "a criminal act" and "a clear example of state terrorism", Anadolu Agency reports. Nine Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire in the Occupied West Bank early Monday, including eight in Jenin, according to the Health Ministry. At least 50 other Palestinians were injured. "This is a criminal act and a clear example of state terrorism," Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, told reporters in Tehran. Kanaani said the Palestinians "have not committed any crime except defending their recognised legal rights and natural rights." The Iranian spokesman said that the Palestinians will "once again impose defeat" on Israel. READ: Palestinians in Gaza take a stand in […]]]> 649027 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230703-oic-condemns-israel-military-operation-in-jenin/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:32:17 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649002 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) today condemned the Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin. Nine Palestinians were shot to death by Israeli occupation forces today, eight in Jenin, according to the Ministry of Health. At least 50 others were also injured. "This heinous crime constitutes an extension of crimes and organised state terrorism practiced by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people," the OIC said in a statement. The Jeddah-based grouping held Israel responsible for "the repercussions of this heinous crime that calls for investigation and accountability." READ: Palestinians in Gaza take a stand in support of Jenin The OIC called on the UN Security Council to "take responsibility, enforce its relevant resolutions, put an […]]]> 649002 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230703-oic-calls-for-collective-measures-to-prevent-repeated-desecration-of-quran/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:00:55 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=648955 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) yesterday called for "collective measures" to prevent the repeated desecration of the Quran. This came in a statement released prior to an emergency meeting held yesterday in Jeddah to discuss the incident where "a copy of the Holy Quran was burnt in Sweden on the first day of Eid Al-Adha." The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), reported that OIC General Secretariat condemned the "repetition of these despicable attacks, and attempts to desecrate the sanctity of the Holy Quran and other Islamic values, symbols and sanctities" and reaffirmed the obligation that all states have undertaken, under the Charter of the United Nations, to promote and encourage universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms […]]]> 648955 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230702-oic-says-measures-needed-to-prevent-quran-desecration/ Sun, 02 Jul 2023 13:25:51 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=648856 An Islamic grouping of 57 states said on Sunday collective measures are needed to prevent acts of desecration to the Quran and international law should be used to stop religious hatred after the holy book was burned in a protest in Sweden, reports Reuters. The statement by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, most of whose members have a Muslim-majority population, was issued after an extraordinary meeting in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah called to discuss Wednesday's incident. "We must send constant reminders to the international community regarding the urgent application of international law, which clearly prohibits any advocacy of religious hatred," OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said. A man tore up and burned a Quran outside Stockholm's central mosque on Wednesday, the […]]]> 648856 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230622-oic-appeals-for-truce-in-sudan-ahead-of-eid-al-adha-holiday/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 15:11:33 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=646653 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) urged the warring parties in Sudan, on Thursday, to lay down their arms in a cease-fire ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha, Anadolu Agency reports. In a statement, Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Muslim bloc, "appealed to all warring parties in Sudan to work towards a comprehensive cease-fire and end all forms of violence and fighting." Taha also urged the Sudanese Army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been fighting for over two months, to "allow relief organisations to carry out their duties and provide urgent humanitarian assistance to all affected areas in the length and breadth of Sudan". READ: Turkish aid group launches campaign for Sudan He called on […]]]> 646653 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230612-iran-saudi-arabia-ties-what-comes-next-after-smooth-restart/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:00:56 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644162 Less than three months after agreeing to restore diplomatic ties, long-time regional rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia, have recently taken another significant step toward full reconciliation. In the presence of senior officials from both sides, the Iranian Embassy in the affluent diplomatic enclave in north-western Riyadh was re-opened last week, seven years after it was locked down. A day later, Iran's Consulate-General and its permanent mission to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the port city of Jeddah were also re-opened. The Consulate-General in Jeddah had been active ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, but a formal re-opening took place on Wednesday in the presence of Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Alireza Begdali, and other officials. Although Saudi Arabia is […]]]> 644162 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230607-oic-calls-for-independent-investigation-into-killing-of-palestinian-toddler/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:00:47 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643041 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called for an independent international investigation into the killing of Palestinian toddler Muhammad Al-Tamimi. The 30-month-old child was shot in the head last Thursday by an Israeli soldier in the village of Nabi Saleh, west of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank and died of his wounds on Monday. "We call for the Israeli occupation to be held to account for all of its violations that amount to war crimes," said the OIC. "We also call for international protection to be provided for the Palestinian people, and for the relevant international legitimacy resolutions to be enforced." The OIC said that this latest outrage is the latest in the ongoing Israeli crimes against the […]]]> 643041 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230606-iran-to-reopen-embassy-in-saudi-arabia-today/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 14:07:22 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642854 Iran is set to reopen its embassy in the Saudi capital Riyadh today and its consulate in the port city of Jeddah tomorrow, months after the two regional rivals restored diplomatic ties severed seven years ago, Anadolu reported. The announcement was made yesterday by Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, three days after the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia met on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in South Africa. Kanaani said the embassy and consulate as well as Iran's representative office at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will resume their operations in line with agreements reached between the two sides. He said the embassy and consulate are already active in facilitating procedures for Iranian pilgrims and now […]]]> 642854 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230524-hamas-calls-for-international-action-to-stop-settler-expansion-in-jerusalem/ Wed, 24 May 2023 07:32:47 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639156 Hamas yesterday called on the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations to take effective action to protect the occupied city of Jerusalem from Israeli "settler-colonial" policies and from the threat of Judaisation after Israel approved the construction of 400 illegal settlement units in the occupied Jerusalem town of Abu Dis. In a statement issued yesterday, the movement said that Israel is exploiting the international silence to increase settlement expansion in violation of international law. "Such a move is aimed at imposing Israeli sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem and isolating it from other Palestinian communities and cities. These endeavours will not grant the Israeli occupation legitimacy in the occupied Palestinian capital," Hamas stressed. The movement said that the […]]]> 639156 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230523-oic-head-vows-efforts-for-muslim-countries-economic-recovery-will-continue/ Tue, 23 May 2023 13:56:47 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638974 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, vowed on Tuesday that the bloc's efforts for the economic recovery and development of Muslim countries will continue, Anadolu News Agency reports. Taha was speaking at the 39th meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the OIC (COMCEC), which kicked off in the Turkish capital, Ankara. The official also conveyed his condolences to the victims of the 6 February twin earthquakes centred in Turkiye's southern Kahramanmaras province. Stating that COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying measures caused an unprecedented slowdown in economic activities on a global scale, Taha said: "In mid-2022, the world started to take the pandemic under control. However, global economic growth weakened due to the […]]]> 638974 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230523-oic-to-hold-exceptional-meeting-on-israel-violations-of-al-aqsa/ Tue, 23 May 2023 10:29:16 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638606 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is to hold an exceptional meeting on Saturday to discuss the increasing Israeli aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque. According to the Wafa news agency, the meeting is to be held at the request of the State of Palestine and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This came in a statement to the OIC's General Secretariat which said it will hold an emergency, open-ended meeting of the Executive Committee at the level of Permanent Representatives. It said that the meeting would take place at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. On Monday, the OIC strongly condemned "the heinous crime" committed by the Israeli occupation forces in the northern occupied West Bank city of Nablus, […]]]> 638606 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230509-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-condemns-israel-airstrikes-on-gaza-killing-13-palestinians/ Tue, 09 May 2023 14:54:13 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=634752 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Tuesday, strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes on the blockaded Gaza Strip, Anadolu News Agency reports. At least 13 Palestinians were killed and 20 others injured in Israeli air raids on the coastal territory early Tuesday, according to the Health Ministry. The fatalities included four children and four women. "This heinous crime is another manifestation of the brutal Israeli military aggression against the Palestinians in flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law and with full impunity," the OIC said in a statement. The Jeddah-based organisation held Israel fully responsible for the repercussions "of these continuous crimes, attacks and organised state terrorism that have undermined security and stability in the region." The pan-Islamic grouping […]]]> 634752 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230508-hamas-condemns-holding-biblical-lessons-at-al-aqsa-mosque/ Mon, 08 May 2023 10:15:04 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=634138 The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas rejected and strongly condemned the holding of biblical lessons by extremist Jewish settlers at Al Aqsa Mosque. "We vehemently reject and condemn holding biblical lessons by hardline Israeli colonial settlers near Bab al Rahma prayer hall at Al Aqsa Mosque," Hamas said in a statement. "This comes in the context of the plans orchestrated by the Israeli occupation to enforce the spatial and temporal division," Hamas added, stating that "this is part of the Israeli plan to change the Islamic character and identity of Al Haram Al Sharif." Hamas called for the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) "to assume their responsibility and work towards protecting the occupied Jerusalem and Al […]]]> 634138 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230503-islamic-bloc-slams-attack-on-saudi-cultural-office-in-sudan/ Wed, 03 May 2023 13:01:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=633557 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Wednesday, condemned the storming of Saudi Arabia's cultural attaché building in the Sudanese capital, Anadolu News Agency reports. The Saudi cultural attaché office in Khartoum was stormed on Tuesday by an armed group that destroyed equipment and cameras and seized some of the property. "The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the storming of the Cultural Attaché building of Saudi Arabia in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, by an armed group," the pan-Islamic grouping said in a statement. The OIC called for ending violence in conflict-weary Sudan, respecting the sanctity of diplomatic missions and providing the necessary protection for diplomats. At least 550 people have been killed and more than 4,900 […]]]> 633557 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230411-turkiye-parliament-speaker-calls-for-holding-israel-responsible-for-war-crimes/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:50:12 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=628277 Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop called for pushing the international community to hold Israel responsible for the "war crimes" and "violations of international law" that it committed against Palestinians in Al-Aqsa Mosque Sentop's remarks came during a videoconference held yesterday for the Union of Parliaments of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the Israeli attacks on Palestinians in the Muslim holy site. He added that Israel attacked the sacred Haram Al-Sharif while Palestinians were in prayer. "Any attempt to harm the holy places is a clear attack on all Muslims, and as the Islamic world, we must show this clearly and make Israel understand that," Sentop said. He expressed his strong condemnation of the "inhumane and illegal attacks, […]]]> 628277 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230407-islamic-world-should-be-united-against-israels-attacks-in-palestine-turkish-president/ Fri, 07 Apr 2023 17:53:56 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=627270 The Islamic world should be united against Israel's attacks in Palestine, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Iranian counterpart on Friday, reports Anadolu agency. Erdogan and Ebrahim Raisi spoke over the phone and discussed Turkiye-Iran relations and regional issues, including Israeli attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied East Jerusalem, Turkiye's Communications Directorate said in a statement. Emphasising that common sense should prevail to prevent a new spiral of violence, Erdogan said that it would be beneficial to take initiatives to guide all parties to common sense. Calling on Raisi to jointly continue efforts in international platforms, especially in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN, to preserve the status of holy places, Erdogan said it is […]]]> 627270 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230406-iran-calls-for-emergency-oic-meeting-on-situation-in-palestine/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 20:13:24 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=627104 Iran has called for an emergency session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the situation in Palestine in the wake of incursions and raids by Israeli forces, Anadolu News Agency reports. In a telephone conversation with his Indonesian counterpart, Joko Widodo, on Thursday, Iran's President, Ebrahim Raisi, denounced Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied East Jerusalem. Raisi told Widodo that "supporting" the rights of Palestinians and "fighting" Israel is an "unchangeable principle in the structure of the Islamic Ummah," describing Palestine as a "beating heart of the Islamic world". Raisi emphasised the importance of holding an emergency session of the 57-member body of Muslim countries on the prevailing situation in Palestine. He further stressed that unity of […]]]> 627104 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230405-pakistan-indonesia-condemn-israel-police-raid-on-al-aqsa-mosque/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 13:42:23 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=626787 Pakistan and Indonesia, on Wednesday, strongly condemned an Israeli police raid on Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied East Jerusalem, which resulted in injuries and large-scale arrests, Anadolu News Agency reports. Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement blamed "impunity granted to Israel", which has "emboldened Tel Aviv to violate basic human rights with abandon." "I strongly condemn the Israeli police attack on Palestinian worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. Brutal attack is violative of sanctity of (the) holy month of Ramadan," Sharif said in a tweet. Earlier, on Wednesday, Israeli police said they detained 350 Palestinians from the complex, with witnesses saying they used excessive force, including tear gas. Strongly condemning the violence committed by […]]]> 626787 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230330-with-netanyahu-ben-gvir-and-smotrich-in-charge-israel-doesnt-need-enemies/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:02:59 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625317 The situation in Israel is bleak. Benjamin Netanyahu ousted his defence minister who warned of an armed forces mutiny in the making. Demonstrations and strikes happen daily, with banks, the health service, labour unions, airports and seaports all paralysed. The Israeli prime minister had no option but to step back from his proposed judicial overhaul. Internationally, Israel's position is no better. Netanyahu presents himself as the king of Israeli diplomacy and international relations, but he and his extremist government have scarred Israel's relations with almost everyone. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for example, was ridiculed in Israel for his cold reception in the US and his terrible English. In France he maximised the damage to Israel's image and foreign policy. […]]]> 625317 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230315-palestine-to-top-agenda-of-oic-foreign-minister-meeting/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:47:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=622509 Palestine is to top the agenda of the 49th meeting of foreign ministers organised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) tomorrow and Friday, a source has revealed. The meeting is to be held in Nouakchott under the heading "Centrism and moderation: the valve of security and stability". OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha is expected to address the opening session, which will cover several topics including political, economic, cultural, social, scientific, humanitarian and media issues. "The Palestinian issue and the latest developments in Jerusalem will be at the top of the session's agenda in light of Israel's continued attacks on the Palestinian people," said the source quoted by the Saudi Press Agency. The agenda will also cover the situation in […]]]> 622509 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230227-oic-to-hold-extraordinary-meeting-to-discuss-israeli-aggression/ Mon, 27 Feb 2023 08:45:22 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=618250 The Executive Committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an extraordinary, open-ended meeting today regarding "the escalation of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people," the OIC said in a statement on its website. Recent Israeli raids on the Palestinian city of Nablus in the northern West Bank left 11 Palestinians dead and and over 100 injured. The OIC's forthcoming meeting "aims to coordinate positions and efforts to urge the international community to assume its responsibilities towards putting an end to these continued Israeli crimes, and to stress the need to provide the necessary international protection for the Palestinian people," according to the statement. READ: UN stance against Israeli crimes 'hypocritical', Palestinians say]]> 618250 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230223-oic-condemns-israel-massacre-in-nablus-as-state-terrorism/ Thu, 23 Feb 2023 09:41:06 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=617018 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the Israeli "massacre" committed in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus and which resulted in 11 deaths and 102 injuries among Palestinians. "This heinous crime constitutes an extension of the record of Israeli crimes and organised state terrorism practiced against the Palestinian people," the OIC said in a statement. It also blamed the Israeli occupation for all the consequences of this "massacre" which should be investigated and its perpetrators should be prosecuted, the body added. The OIC urged the UN Security Council to take shoulder its responsibility and carry out its resolutions related to protecting the Palestinians against the "continuous Israeli aggression." Early yesterday, Israeli occupation forces raided the city of Nablus and murdered 11 Palestinians, […]]]> 617018 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230221-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-head-to-visit-turkiye-in-wake-of-deadly-quakes/ Tue, 21 Feb 2023 20:01:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=616706 Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), will visit Turkiye on Wednesday in the wake of the 6 February deadly earthquakes, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Tuesday. Taha will visit the quake-hit province of Gaziantep to demonstrate solidarity and express his condolences over the twin quakes that have claimed the lives of more than 42,300 people, the Ministry said in a statement, Reuters reports. READ: Turkiye earthquakes damage historical Grand Bazaar in Kahramanmaras He is also expected to meet Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, in Ankara on Thursday, it added. The 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude tremors were centred in Kahramanmaras and struck 10 other southern provinces – Hatay, Gaziantep, Adiyaman, Malatya, Adana, Diyarbakir, Kilis, Osmaniye, Sanliurfa and […]]]> 616706 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230219-pakistan-calls-on-oic-for-emergency-meeting-on-turkiye-earthquake-relief/ Sun, 19 Feb 2023 09:22:46 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=615946 Pakistan's prime minister has called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to immediately convene an emergency meeting to discuss and decide on a coordinated relief package for Turkiye's earthquake victims. In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the OIC should immediately convene a meeting, emphasising its importance in helping countries decide on a relief package for Turkiye and the victims of the 7.9 magnitude earthquake which hit the south-east of the country almost two weeks ago. The earthquake and its aftershocks, which hit south-eastern Turkiye and north-west Syria on 6 February, killed over 45,000, left millions homeless, resulted in enormous structural damage, and sparked a worldwide relief effort. Aside from calling for the OIC […]]]> 615946 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230127-turkish-foreign-minister-oic-head-discuss-repeated-attacks-on-quran/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 17:11:40 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=609755 The Turkish Foreign Minister and the Head of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Friday, discussed recent repeated attacks on the Muslim holy book, the Quran, Anadolu News Agency reports. In a phone call, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and OIC Secretary-General, Hussein Ibrahim Taha, evaluated the attacks on the holy Quran in Sweden and the Netherlands, and the Islamic world's reactions to these attacks, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. On 21 January, Rasmus Paludan, an extreme-right Swedish-Danish politician, burned a copy of the holy Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, under police protection and with permission from the authorities, drawing a wave of condemnations from across the Arab and Islamic worlds . The next day, Edwin Wagensveld, a […]]]> 609755 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230127-oic-condemns-israeli-aggression-on-jenin-its-refugee-camp/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 10:46:12 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=609677 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation yesterday condemned "in the strongest terms the continued crimes of the Israeli Occupation" in Jenin and its refugee camp and called on the international community to "assume its responsibilities," according to an official statement published on its website. The OIC's statement came after the Israeli occupation forces on Thursday stormed the city of Jenin and its refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, killing nine Palestinians and injuring many others. A 61-year-old woman was among the Palestinians killed in the Israeli military raid. The Saudi-based intergovernmental organisation said that it held the Israeli occupation authorities "fully responsible for this heinous crime, which embodies an extension of the continued Israeli aggression and state terror against the […]]]> 609677 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230114-bibi-and-his-associate-itamar-ben-gvir/ Sat, 14 Jan 2023 14:04:29 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=606227 No sooner than former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid left the podium, Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi) and his ministers started "ruining" Israel, contrary to Lapid's warning. Netanyahu, who bragged that he would soon make peace with Saudi Arabia, found himself losing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to his National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose definition of security tends to bewilder many in Israel and outside. Many critics in Israel claim Bibi is not the one who is really governing; it is those like Ben-Gvir and leader of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich who are really directing the government. Netanyahu is only a temporary bridge that will take these radicals to another Israel. Immediately after assuming his position, Bibi found […]]]> 606227 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230112-oic-to-send-delegation-to-afghanistan-for-talks-on-womens-rights/ Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:21:47 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=605928 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan for talks with the Taliban-led government on women's rights to education and employment, Anadolu News Agency reports. Following an extraordinary meeting initiated by Turkiye, the Jeddah-based organisation voiced concern over restrictions imposed by the Taliban-led government on Afghan women. READ: Taliban bans female higher education in Afghanistan  "We seek to send a second team of Ulama to Afghanistan to continue dialogue on the decision depriving Afghan women of education and employment," OIC Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, told the meeting. He said the dialogue will focus on measures depriving Afghan girls and women of their basic rights to education, employment and social justice. READ: Taliban orders NGOs to […]]]> 605928 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230110-oic-calls-for-sanctions-on-israel-minister-after-al-aqsa-visit/ Tue, 10 Jan 2023 19:36:59 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=605580 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday warned against any Israeli assault on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied East Jerusalem, Anadolu News Agency reports. In a statement following an extraordinary meeting, the Jeddah-based organisation called for imposing sanctions on far-right Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, for violating the sanctity of the flashpoint site. Last week, Ben-Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa complex, triggering a deluge of condemnations from countries across the world, including Jordan, Turkey, the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan. The OIC considered Ben-Gvir's visit as a "serious provocation that hurts the feelings of Muslims all over the world and in a blatant violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions, existing historic and legal situation in Al-Quds […]]]> 605580 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230109-oic-to-discuss-situation-at-jerusalems-al-aqsa-on-tuesday/ Mon, 09 Jan 2023 18:21:58 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=604664 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday to discuss Israeli violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Occupied East Jerusalem, Anadolu News Agency reports. In a statement, the Jeddah-based organisation said the meeting comes "after the continuous Israeli escalation in the Occupied city of Al-Quds [Jerusalem] and the continuous violations against the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque." The pan-Muslim grouping said the meeting will discuss the situation after a storming by Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir to "Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards under the protection of the Israeli Occupation Forces." Ben-Gvir's provocation, the statement said, came amid Israeli attempts "to change the legal and historical status of Al-Aqsa Mosque." READ: Jewish settlers perform provocative dances at Al-Aqsa […]]]> 604664 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230109-iraq-to-write-off-some-of-somalias-debt/ Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:39:17 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=604643 Iraq is reportedly set to write off some of Somalia's debt, according to a report by Al-Ahram citing an official in the Arab League, to which both countries belong. The Director of the Arab League's Horn of Africa and Sudan Department, Zayd Saban, revealed that the organisation has received an official memorandum from Baghdad saying that it will partially cancel Somalia's debts to Iraq. Saban said that decisions made at past Arab summits have urged member states to forgive Somalia's debts. According to Somalia data, as of December 2019 Mogadishu owed Iraq approximately $187 million. The African country is currently experiencing a food crisis, brought on by devastating drought and decades of conflict. By the middle of 2023, over 8 […]]]> 604643 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230101-oic-hails-un-vote-on-israels-occupation-of-palestine/ Sun, 01 Jan 2023 12:42:56 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=603306 The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Saturday welcomed the passage of a UN General Assembly resolution seeking opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's occupation of Palestine, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the pan-Muslim group hailed the stances of the countries that backed the resolution which "affirm their commitment to the international law and in line with their historical stances" towards supporting Palestinian cause. Early on Saturday, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution seeking the ICJ opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories. READ: UN passes resolution to seek ICJ opinion on Israel's occupation of Palestine The resolution was backed by 87 countries of the UN General Assembly members against 26 […]]]> 603306 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230101-one-third-of-arab-population-lives-in-poverty-escwa/ Sun, 01 Jan 2023 11:00:28 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=603298 One-third of the Arab population lives under the poverty line, a UN body said Saturday, Anadolu reports. A report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) said that poverty increased in the Arab countries to affect 130 million people. According to the UN commission, the region's economy is expected to grow by 4.5% in 2023 and 3.4% in 2024 despite the disruption of the global economy's recovery. Unemployment in the Arab region registered the highest rate in the world in 2022 at 12%. READ: UN passes resolution to seek ICJ opinion on Israel's occupation of Palestine "There may be a very slight decrease in 2023 to 11.7 percent," ESCWA said. Ahmed Moummi, the lead author of […]]]> 603298 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221209-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-condemns-israel-killing-3-palestinians-in-occupied-west-bank/ Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:22:15 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=599390 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday condemned the killing of three Palestinians by Israeli forces in the Occupied West Bank city of Jenin, Anadolu News Agency reports. In a written statement, the OIC asserted that the crimes and ongoing attacks committed against the Palestinian people should be investigated and that Israel should be held accountable. It also called on the international community and UN to "prevent Israel's ongoing attacks and provide international protection to the Palestinian people." Saeed Abu Ali, the assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, also decried recent attacks by Israel against Palestinians. "It is no longer enough to condemn the attacks of Israeli Forces," Abu Ali said in a written statement. He stressed that Israel […]]]> 599390 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221128-strategy-to-boost-economic-growth-direly-needed-muslim-bloc-chief/ Mon, 28 Nov 2022 13:18:06 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=597012 Muslim nations are in "dire need of strategy" to "increase economic growth, both sustained and inclusive", the Head of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said on Monday in Istanbul, Anadolu News Agency reports. Hissein Brahim Taha, addressing the 38th Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) standing meeting in the Turkish metropolis, said the disruption to energy supplies due to the Russia-Ukraine war had exacerbated the economic stress left behind by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the Muslim bloc's 57 member states have faced "sustained economic decline, along with tourism activities". "Before the OIC nations could find a clear way out of the pandemic, the Russian-Ukraine war exacerbated the situation (due to) disruption in the energy supply chain," Taha […]]]> 597012 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221123-world-halal-summit-oic-halal-expo-to-begin-in-istanbul-on-thursday/ Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:17:41 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=596408 The 8th World Halal Summit and the 9th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Halal Expo will begin in Istanbul on Thursday, Anadolu News Agency reports. The two major gatherings on the global market for products and services conforming to Islamic guidelines (known as halal) will see the participation of nearly 500 exhibitors from 40 countries. The four-day events, for which Anadolu Agency is the global communications partner, are expected to host some 40,000 visitors, 9,000 of whom are foreigners, including bureaucrats. The expo, considered the most important commercial cooperation platform on the halal market, aims to make Turkiye the hub of the halal market of more than $7 trillion. INTERVIEW: In Turkiye, the halal hotel market is booming "The market […]]]> 596408 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221102-oic-condemns-incitement-campaign-against-qatar-for-hosting-fifa-world-cup/ Wed, 02 Nov 2022 10:42:51 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=591114 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned what it described as an "incitement campaign" targeting Qatar for its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is due to kick off on 20 November, with the final to be held on 18 December. The OIC stands by Qatar as the first member state in the Muslim world to host such a tournament, said Secretary-General Hissein Ibrahim Taha on Tuesday. "This carries human and universal significance and seeks to spread the spirit of solidarity and interconnection among countries of the world." The OIC statement came in the wake of remarks by the German interior minister regarding Qatar's hosting of the tournament. In an interview with the ARD network aired […]]]> 591114 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221018-oic-hails-australia-move-to-de-recognise-jerusalem-as-israels-capital/ Tue, 18 Oct 2022 17:02:38 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=587366 The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday welcomed a decision by the Australian government to end its recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Anadolu News Agency reports. In a statement, the Jeddah-based grouping hailed Australia's "commitment to the two-state solution", adding that the Australian move "aligns with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions." The pan-Islamic organisation called on all States that recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital "to reverse their stances against international legitimacy." Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, said Tuesday that his country had reversed its recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital. READ: Australia quietly deletes recognition of Jerusalem as Israel capital from govt website In 2018, then-Prime Minister, Scott Morrison's government said it would recognise […]]]> 587366