Indonesia presses Muslim world to move beyond condemnation on Gaza

Indonesia has called on the global Muslim community to create a mechanism to hold Israel accountable for its actions against Palestinians, as delegates from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened recently to address Israel's intentions to annex West Bank territories and expand illegal settlements. Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta conveyed Jakarta's concerns during a gathering in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, stating that the OIC's divisions have permitted Israel to persist in its atrocities.

Matta emphasized the need for the OIC to enhance its credibility through tangible and consistent action, rather than merely issuing condemnations and statements. He proposed that the OIC maximize its capabilities and mechanisms to hold Israel responsible for its various crimes and label violent acts by illegal settlers as acts of terrorism.

The second emergency OIC meeting on Palestine this year focused on the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and the need for enhanced Islamic joint action in response to Israel's ongoing activities. The meeting occurred amidst escalating Israeli settlement expansion and displacement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which Palestinians consider the capital of their future state.