OIC holds emergency Jeddah meeting to confront Israel's West Bank annexation moves

2026-02-27 - 07:32

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation held an emergency meeting of its Executive Committee at the foreign minister level in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Thursday to address Israel's recent approval of plans to declare vast areas of the occupied West Bank as "state property," a move widely condemned as de facto annexation . The gathering brought together top diplomats from member states to formulate coordinated measures against what the OIC described as Israel's ongoing violations in Palestinian territories . Saudi Arabia Rejects Israeli Actions Speaking during the session, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed al-Khereiji delivered a strong condemnation of Israel's policies, stating that "steps aimed at establishing so-called sovereignty over the West Bank are sabotaging opportunities for peace" . He reiterated the Kingdom's absolute rejection of settlement initiatives and affirmed that "Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory" . The meeting followed Israel's February 8 Security Cabinet decisions removing obstacles to settler land purchases and transferring authority in Hebron, along with the February 15 approval of unilateral land registration procedures . Unified Response and International Call The OIC condemned US Ambassador Mike Huckabee's remarks and the US Embassy's decision to provide consular services to settlers in occupied territory, viewing such steps as encouraging Israel's control over Palestinian and Arab lands . Participants called on the international community to protect Palestinians and hold Israel accountable for alleged violations, while reaffirming the unity of Palestinian territory including both Gaza and the West Bank . The meeting resolved to pursue political and legal measures challenging Israeli policies and urged advancing the implementation of ceasefire arrangements for Gaza .