Muslim World League Mobilizes Int'l Religious Coalition to Bring Peace to Gaza

Palestinians leaving Gaza are forced to head south at the beginning of the Israeli war. (AFP)
Palestinians leaving Gaza are forced to head south at the beginning of the Israeli war. (AFP)
TT

Muslim World League Mobilizes Int'l Religious Coalition to Bring Peace to Gaza

Palestinians leaving Gaza are forced to head south at the beginning of the Israeli war. (AFP)
Palestinians leaving Gaza are forced to head south at the beginning of the Israeli war. (AFP)

The Muslim World League launched an urgent petition, calling on religious leaders around the world to take a unified stance and “raise their voices loudly to bring peace, end violence, and extinguish the fire of war in the Gaza Strip.”

Secretary-general of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa stressed that religious leaders and civil society institutions have more to offer in order to bring peace around the world, saying that their solidarity would help in resolving the most urgent and complex international crises, especially issues that have “religious roots.”

The petition is a prelude to establishing an alliance between religious leaders, according to the MWL.

“It stems from its message of faith calling for justice, wisdom, mercy, reform, and the benefit of humanity in general,” said a statement by the MWL, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as “containing the raging conflict in the region, releasing all hostages without conditions, and then continuing the hard work towards supporting good efforts [...] to achieve comprehensive peace.”

Al-Issa said: “In the face of the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Muslim World League, in cooperation with its interfaith partners, is committed to redoubling efforts to stop the war, end this human suffering, and bring about just and comprehensive peace.”

He also stressed that the path to peace is led by “sincere determination” and “conscious logic,” pointing out that the region today is a “scene of anxiety, turmoil, and violence”, while it is a holy land that embraced the prophets and messengers.

It also underscored the moral obligation to speak publicly “with a united, strong and effective voice to achieve the desired impact.”



21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
TT

21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)

The second ministerial meeting of the Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies in the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted in Doha over two days, witnessed the signing of the Makkah Agreement on cooperation among OIC member states in combating corruption by 21 member states.

The large number of signatories on the same day represents a historic milestone, expected to expedite the ratification process and bring the agreement into force. This development underscores the member states’ awareness of the dangers posed by corruption and related crimes, as well as their commitment to strengthening cooperation in addressing these challenges.

In this context, the OIC General Secretariat called on the remaining member states to promptly sign and ratify the Makkah Agreement on anti-corruption cooperation, emphasizing its importance in establishing a framework for collective action against this serious threat.

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between anti-corruption authorities, ensuring efficient and timely operations. It also advocates for joining the Riyadh Global Initiative (GlobE Network), which provides a legal framework for the direct and swift exchange of information and investigations. This initiative is expected to prevent corruption and limit safe havens for corrupt individuals.

Mazin Al-Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to making anti-corruption a core pillar of its Vision 2030.

Speaking at the second ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities from the OIC member states, Al-Kahmous highlighted the far-reaching consequences of cross-border corruption on Islamic societies and their development. He underscored that united efforts at the local and international levels are crucial for fostering prosperity and supporting the sustainable development goals of Islamic nations.

Al-Kahmous further recalled Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting and presiding over the first ministerial meeting, which led to the adoption of the Makkah Agreement that he described as an ideal framework for enhancing anti-corruption efforts and strengthening international collaboration in this area.

He also welcomed the adoption of a Saudi-proposed resolution encouraging cooperation between OIC member states, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other relevant organizations to develop methodologies and indicators for measuring corruption.

The first ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities in OIC member states was convened by Saudi Arabia during its chairmanship of the 14th Islamic Summit. Organized in collaboration with the OIC, the event brought together leaders of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies, international organizations, and a distinguished group of local and global experts.