OIC Strongly Condemns Escalation of Israeli Crimes in Northern Gaza Strip

 Palestinians who were displaced from northern Gaza set up a makeshift shelter at Gaza City's damaged Yarmouk stadium on October 14, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (AFP)
Palestinians who were displaced from northern Gaza set up a makeshift shelter at Gaza City's damaged Yarmouk stadium on October 14, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (AFP)
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OIC Strongly Condemns Escalation of Israeli Crimes in Northern Gaza Strip

 Palestinians who were displaced from northern Gaza set up a makeshift shelter at Gaza City's damaged Yarmouk stadium on October 14, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (AFP)
Palestinians who were displaced from northern Gaza set up a makeshift shelter at Gaza City's damaged Yarmouk stadium on October 14, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (AFP)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned on Monday “the continued escalation of war crimes” by Israeli force against Palestinian citizens, particularly in the northern Gaza Strip.

The OIC viewed these actions as part of attempts at forced displacement, ethnic cleansing, and genocide against the Palestinian people.

It held Israel responsible “for the ongoing aggression and organized terrorism practiced against the Palestinian people, which has resulted in the martyrdom of more than 42,654 citizens and the injury of over 100,000 others, mostly women and children. Thousands remain missing under the rubble.”

The OIC called for sanctions on Israel, the occupying power, and for it to be held accountable for all ongoing crimes and violations.

Additionally, it renewed its call on the UN Security Council “to assume its responsibilities, implement its resolutions, impose an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, and put an end to the ongoing violations of international law and relevant UN resolutions by Israel.”



Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
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Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles stressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia, noting that the Kingdom stands as Australia's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

In a statement issued by his office, Marles indicated that his visit to the Kingdom and the UAE seeks to enhance collaborative efforts within the G20 and other multilateral institutions and aims to emphasize the unwavering commitment to a rules-based international order.

The statement further emphasized that the Kingdom is a crucial partner for Australia and that the visit presents an opportunity to broaden economic ties and explore avenues for deeper cooperation with regional leaders.

Marles said that this visit underscores Australia's commitment to fortifying economic and diplomatic ties with the Kingdom, recognizing its crucial role as a partner in addressing shared global challenges.

Marles met with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on Wednesday.