The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has accused Israel of the attack that killed Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran last week. Following an extraordinary meeting in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the 57-member bloc issued a statement holding Israel “fully responsible” for the assassination, describing it as “a serious infringement” of Iran’s sovereignty.
Gambia’s Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara, chairing the OIC, warned that Haniyeh’s assassination and the ongoing conflict in Gaza could spark a regional war. Tangara condemned the act, emphasizing that it could escalate tensions across the region.
Iran and Palestine had called for the OIC meeting in Jeddah, where host Saudi Arabia also condemned the killing as a “blatant violation” of Iran’s sovereignty. Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed al-Khereiji expressed the kingdom’s rejection of any infringement on state sovereignty or interference in internal affairs.
While Iran and Hamas have pointed fingers at Israel for Haniyeh’s death, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement. Iran has vowed retaliation, threatening severe repercussions for Israel. However, the United States and other Western nations are advocating for de-escalation.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted that several OIC members share Washington’s concern that escalation could worsen the region’s crises. Miller emphasized the importance of preventing any actions that might heighten tensions, particularly as efforts toward a ceasefire in Gaza are in their final stages.
Miller added that further escalation could jeopardize the potential ceasefire agreement, noting that ongoing negotiations still face significant hurdles but remain possible.
In his address at the OIC meeting, Gambia’s Tangara called for a durable peace addressing the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He urged the global community to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need and to work towards a sustainable political solution promoting peace and security in the region.
