Istanbul: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has condemned the destabilization policies of Israel in the Middle East and its recent attacks on Iran, Syria, and Lebanon that constitute flagrant violation of sovereignty and security of these countries and international law. The condemnation came in the Istanbul Declaration adopted by 51st Session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Istanbul, Turkiye.

According to Radio Pakistan, the declaration stressed the urgent need to stop Israeli attacks against Iran and expressed great concern regarding this dangerous escalation that is threatening human, economic, and environmental situation in the region. The Joint Declaration called on the international community to take deterrent measures to stop this aggression and make Israel accountable for crimes committed.

It also urged the international community to decide to establish an open-ended Ministerial Contact group, which will be tasked with establishing regular contacts with the relevant regional and international parties in order to support de-escalation efforts and stop the aggression against Iran and to achieve a peaceful settlement.

The OIC Council of Foreign Ministers session’s declaration reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and extended firm support for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, contiguous Palestinian state on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, saying that two-State solution is the only viable solution to reach peace and stability in the region for all.

The session’s declaration expressed solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan. It expressed deep concern over the recent military escalation in the South Asia region, including the unjustified strikes carried out on multiple locations in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The OIC Council of Foreign Ministers stressed the need to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that would destabilize the region.

The Istanbul Declaration called for strict adherence to bilateral agreements, including Indus Waters Treaty, and stressed the importance of a broad-based dialogue for peaceful settlement of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India.

The OIC Council of Foreign Ministers session’s declaration expressed deep concern over growing Islamophobia. It condemned all acts of violence based on religion or belief, hate speech and extremism motivated by discrimination on the grounds of religion, as well as efforts fueling intercultural divisions and tensions.