The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran on July 31. In a statement from their extraordinary meeting in Jeddah, the OIC held Israel “fully responsible” for the attack, describing it as a “flagrant violation of international laws, the UN Charter, and a serious infringement on Iran’s sovereignty.”
The OIC called for immediate action from the UN Security Council to maintain international peace and security, citing the attack as a crime of aggression and a violation of Iran’s national security. They expressed deep concern over the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, demanding an end to what they describe as “Israeli aggression” and urging for protection and humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
The statement also criticized Israel’s “continued war crimes” and called for all states to avoid supporting or cooperating with Israel to prevent further violations of international law. The OIC emphasized the need to uphold the historical and legal status of the holy sites in Jerusalem and called for measures to end Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
Saudi Arabia’s deputy foreign minister, Waleed al-Khereiji, voiced his country’s rejection of any violations of state sovereignty. Gambia’s Foreign Minister, Mamadou Tangara, warned that the killing of Haniyeh and ongoing violence could lead to a wider regional conflict, emphasizing the need for a durable peace that addresses the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Tensions in the region have risen following the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ announcement of Haniyeh’s death, which was confirmed by Iranian authorities. Israel has yet to comment on the incident, and Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar as Haniyeh’s successor.