OIC Stresses its Rejection of All Forms of Terrorism

The OIC stressed the need to combat all terrorist groups and organizations.
The OIC stressed the need to combat all terrorist groups and organizations.
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OIC Stresses its Rejection of All Forms of Terrorism

The OIC stressed the need to combat all terrorist groups and organizations.
The OIC stressed the need to combat all terrorist groups and organizations.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) stressed on Tuesday the need to combat all terrorist groups and organizations wherever they are, adding that terrorism constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law.

The announcement came during the statement delivered by Saudi Arabia on behalf of the OIC Group before the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly on “Measures to eliminate international terrorism,” held in New York on Tuesday.

Nidaa Abu Ali, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the UN, said the OIC Group condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of the motivations, the identity of the perpetrator and the location it was committed.

“The Group reaffirms that terrorism could not be associated with any religion, race, faith, theology, values, culture or society,” Abu Ali said, reiterating the OIC’s respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all states in accordance with the UN Charter.

The Group also strongly condemned any attempt to link Islam with terrorism to achieve narrow interests.

“The OIC firmly rejects targeting Muslim minorities during COVID-19, blaming them for the local transmission of the virus,” Abu Ali said.

She reiterated the importance of promoting dialogue, understanding and cooperation among religions, cultures and civilizations for peace and harmony in the world, welcoming all regional and international initiatives and efforts to that end.

“The Group believes that it is essential to follow a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism by addressing the root causes of terrorism, including the unlawful use of force, aggression, foreign occupation, festering international disputes and political marginalization and alienation,” she said.

She added that the Group believes that it is essential that Member States bolster their cooperation and coordination with the aim of prosecuting the perpetrators of the terrorist acts and preventing providing any finance, safe havens, assistance or weapons to terrorist groups and organizations.

She said the OIC looks forward towards the convening of a second-high level conference under the auspices of the UN in order to formulate joint organized response by the international community to terrorism in all its forms.



Hamas, Two Other Palestinian Groups Say Gaza Ceasefire Deal 'Closer Than Ever'

Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)
Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)
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Hamas, Two Other Palestinian Groups Say Gaza Ceasefire Deal 'Closer Than Ever'

Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)
Palestinians inspect damages in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, following a Hamas surprise attack, at Beach refugee camp, in Gaza City, October 9, 2023. (Reuters)

Hamas and two other Palestinian militant groups said on Saturday that a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel is "closer than ever", provided Israel does not impose new conditions.

"The possibility of reaching an agreement (for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal) is closer than ever, provided the enemy stops imposing new conditions," Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said in a rare joint statement issued after talks in Cairo on Friday.

Last week, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States were held in Doha, rekindling hope of an agreement.

A Hamas leader told AFP on Saturday that talks had made "significant and important progress" in recent days.

"Most points related to the ceasefire and prisoner exchange issues have been agreed upon," he said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly on the issue.

"Some unresolved points remain, but they do not hinder the process. The agreement could be finalized before the end of this year, provided it is not disrupted by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's new conditions."