Overview of the 57 Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
Leaders from across the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened in Doha for a significant Arab-Islamic summit aimed at establishing a unified position regarding ongoing tensions with Israel. The summit follows a recent incident on September 9, during which an Israeli attack on a Hamas office in Qatar’s capital resulted in the tragic loss of six lives.
The emergency summit commenced on Monday, following a prior closed-door meeting of foreign ministers, where discussions centered on drafting a resolution that would outline decisive actions against Israel. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani emphasized the necessity for the international community to eliminate double standards in its approach and to hold Israel responsible for its actions. He asserted the need for robust measures in response to the attack, which he termed a continuation of aggression against the Palestinian people.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the ongoing hostilities aimed at displacing Palestinians from their homeland cannot succeed, regardless of any misrepresentation of justifications offered by Israel. This statement underscores the unwavering commitment of Arab nations to support the Palestinian cause and protect the rights of the Palestinian people.
The attack on Qatar is part of a broader pattern of military operations that have extended beyond Israel’s borders, illustrating a concerning trend in regional stability. In the span of just 72 hours, Israel targeted multiple nations, marking its continued military engagement with regional implications.
The summit’s attendees included representatives from the Arab League, composed of 22 member nations that encompass a diverse spectrum of cultures from North Africa to the Gulf. Established in 1945, the Arab League was founded to promote coordination among its member states, which collectively represent approximately 500 million people or six percent of the global population. The league aims to bolster regional solidarity and safeguard the sovereignty of its member states.
Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Algeria, which are central to the Arab League, also play significant roles in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), contributing to their positions as leading global oil producers. The collective efforts of these nations not only enhance economic ties but also facilitate their strategic coordination on political matters.
The OIC, established in 1969 in response to an attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque, represents 57 Muslim-majority nations worldwide. It actively works to safeguard Islamic holy sites and promote unity among its members. Being home to over 2.1 billion people, the OIC embodies a crucial collective voice advocating for the interests of Muslims globally.
Throughout its existence, the OIC has firmly condemned Israeli actions, particularly those concerning the occupation of Palestinian territories, and has consistently called for immediate ceasefires and protection of civilians. The recent summits reflect a united stance within the OIC against aggression, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the protection of human rights in the region.
This gathering in Doha signifies not only a response to current geopolitical challenges but also demonstrates the enduring solidarity among Arab and Islamic nations in support of the Palestinian cause.
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