The OIC Summit on the Israel-Palestine War: A Turning Point or Another Missed Opportunity?

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has thrown its weight behind an Arab-led plan to rebuild Gaza, marking a significant step in the global pushback against US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to displace Palestinians and turn Gaza into a "Middle East Riviera." At an emergency summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the 57-member OIC formally endorsed the Arab reconstruction plan, which aims to restore Gaza without uprooting its 2.4 million inhabitants. This move comes as international support grows for a sustainable solution to the Gaza crisis, with European powers and Islamic nations rallying behind the Arab initiative.

The "Extraordinary OIC Ministerial Meeting" is seen in progress in Jeddah on March 8, 2025. — X@OIC_OCI 

The ongoing war between Israel and Palestine has once again placed the Muslim world at a crossroads. With relentless bombings in Gaza, increasing civilian casualties, and a worsening humanitarian crisis, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened an emergency summit to address the escalating situation. But did this summit bring about tangible solutions, or was it yet another diplomatic gesture with little real-world impact?

This blog delves into the details of the OIC summit, the statements made, the resolutions passed, and the broader geopolitical implications of the organization’s stance. More importantly, it evaluates whether the Muslim world can, in any meaningful way, influence the course of the war and offer a viable solution to the conflict.

The Context: Why This OIC Summit Was Crucial

The war between Israel and Palestine has entered a new phase of brutality. With Israel’s military campaign intensifying, Palestinian casualties—many of whom are women and children—continue to rise. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with reports of widespread displacement, food shortages, and hospitals running out of essential supplies.

As the second-largest intergovernmental body after the United Nations, the OIC carries the collective voice of 57 Muslim-majority countries. The expectations from this summit were high, especially given the public outrage across the Muslim world over the plight of Palestinians. The question remained: Would the OIC finally step up with a decisive course of action, or would it merely issue another round of condemnatory statements?

Key Statements and Resolutions from the Summit

Several world leaders and foreign ministers addressed the summit, expressing their deep concerns over the situation. Here are some of the key statements that emerged:

• Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stating, “The ongoing atrocities against our Palestinian brothers and sisters cannot be tolerated any longer. The international community must act decisively.” Saudi Arabia also pushed for an urgent UN resolution demanding a ceasefire.

• Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took a harsher stance, calling Israel’s actions “state terrorism” and accusing Western powers of double standards. “When Ukraine is attacked, the world reacts immediately. But when Gaza is turned into rubble, they ask for restraint,” Erdoğan said, pointing out the hypocrisy of global institutions.

• Iran: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called for an immediate military and economic boycott of Israel, stating, “There can be no peace in the Middle East as long as the Zionist regime continues its occupation.” Iran pushed for stronger economic measures, including cutting trade ties with Israel and sanctioning Western companies supplying arms to Tel Aviv.

• Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for unity within the Muslim world, arguing that “divided voices lead to inaction, and inaction is complicity.” He also proposed a coordinated diplomatic campaign to pressure Western governments into changing their policies toward Israel.

• Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim suggested forming a unified Muslim economic bloc to counteract Israel’s influence, stating, “We hold significant leverage over global trade and energy markets. It’s time we use it for a just cause.”

The Resolutions: Do They Carry Weight?

After extensive discussions, the OIC summit concluded with a series of resolutions, including:

1. Demanding an Immediate Ceasefire: The OIC called on the UN Security Council to intervene and enforce a ceasefire. However, given the history of vetoes by the United States in favor of Israel, skepticism remains over whether this demand will be met.

2. Economic Sanctions and Boycotts: A resolution was passed urging member states to cut economic ties with companies supporting Israeli military actions. However, enforcement mechanisms remain weak.

3. Legal Action Against Israel: The OIC announced plans to take Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes. While symbolic, past attempts to hold Israel legally accountable have failed due to geopolitical roadblocks.

4. Humanitarian Aid and Support for Palestine: Several OIC nations pledged financial and medical assistance to Gaza. Turkey, Qatar, and Kuwait announced a combined humanitarian aid package worth over $500 million.

Analysis: Is the OIC Really Effective?

While the statements made during the summit were strong and the resolutions ambitious, the effectiveness of the OIC remains questionable. There are several reasons why this summit, like many before it, may not yield tangible results:

• Lack of Unity: The OIC has historically struggled with internal divisions. Member states often have competing interests, especially when it comes to relations with the West. For instance, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been working towards normalizing ties with Israel, which conflicts with the hardline stance of Iran and Turkey.

• Limited Political and Economic Leverage: Despite being a major bloc, the OIC does not have the same level of influence as Western powers when it comes to global geopolitics. The effectiveness of economic sanctions depends on whether key players like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are willing to go beyond rhetoric and take concrete action.

• The Role of Western Powers: The United States and European Union continue to back Israel, providing military aid and political cover in international forums. Until Western policies shift, the impact of OIC resolutions will remain limited.

What Needs to Change?

For the OIC to become a real force in international politics, several structural changes need to take place:

1. Strengthen Economic Leverage: Muslim-majority nations control a significant portion of the world’s oil and trade routes. Coordinated economic measures could pressure Israel’s allies into changing their stance.

2. Establish a United Military Strategy: While military intervention is unlikely, strategic defense cooperation could deter future escalations. A coordinated approach to regional security would provide better protection for Palestine.

3. Engage with Global Institutions More Effectively: Instead of relying solely on UN resolutions, OIC nations need to actively engage with global media, legal forums, and political institutions to shift the narrative on Palestine.

The Arab Plan: A Counter to Trump’s Displacement Agenda

The Arab reconstruction plan, spearheaded by Egypt and backed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, offers a comprehensive roadmap for Gaza’s recovery. Unlike Trump’s proposal, which envisions displacing Palestinians and transforming Gaza into a luxury destination, the Arab plan prioritizes rebuilding the war-torn territory while ensuring its residents remain on their land.

The plan, which was ratified by the Arab League earlier in the week, has now gained the formal endorsement of the OIC. In a statement, the OIC urged the international community and funding institutions to "swiftly provide the necessary support" for the plan’s implementation. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty welcomed the OIC’s endorsement, expressing hope that the plan would gain broader international backing, including from the European Union, Japan, Russia, and China.

Global Support: Europe Backs the Arab Vision

The Arab plan has also garnered support from key European powers. Britain, France, Germany, and Italy issued a joint statement hailing the proposal as a "realistic path" for Gaza’s reconstruction. The European governments emphasized the need for Gaza to return to the control of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and called for Hamas to relinquish its governance and military capabilities.

"We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel any more," the statement read. However, this demand clashes with Hamas’s insistence on maintaining its role as a resistance movement, setting the stage for potential friction in the implementation of the plan.

Israel and US: Cold Shoulder to the Arab Plan

Despite the growing international support, the Arab plan has been met with resistance from Israel and the United States. Israel has rejected the proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterating his demand for Hamas’s demilitarization as a precondition for any reconstruction efforts. The US, while acknowledging the plan as a "good-faith first step," has also expressed reservations.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated that the plan "does not meet the expectations" of Washington, highlighting the ongoing tension between the US and its Arab allies over the future of Gaza. However, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, struck a more conciliatory tone, calling the plan a "good-faith first step from the Egyptians."

Pakistan’s Stand: A Strong Voice for Palestine

At the OIC summit, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, delivered a powerful statement condemning Israel’s actions and calling for urgent international action. Dar rejected any discussion of Hamas’s demilitarization and emphasized the need to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people.

"The OIC must categorically reject any proposal that seeks to eject the Palestinians from their own homeland," Dar declared. He called for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, including a permanent cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian access.

Dar also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed and 90% of infrastructure has been destroyed. "This is not just destruction; it is an assault on an entire people’s existence," he said, urging the OIC to take decisive diplomatic and economic measures to hold Israel accountable.

The Final Negotiations: 

The latest round of ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel has brought cautious optimism, with both sides indicating a willingness to return to the table. However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, exacerbated by Israel’s decision to cut electricity and restrict aid. As high-stakes diplomacy unfolds in Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the key question remains: Will these talks lead to a sustainable peace, or is this another short-lived truce destined to collapse?

Hamas and Israel: Opposing Stances, Common Goal?

Hamas has hinted at "positive indicators" regarding the second phase of ceasefire negotiations but has refrained from elaborating on specific details. Meanwhile, Israel has officially confirmed its participation in talks, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stating:

"Israel has accepted the invitation of the mediators backed by the US and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday in an effort to advance the negotiations."

Both parties seem to recognize the urgency of these discussions, yet major hurdles remain. Hamas insists on immediate negotiations for a more permanent resolution, whereas Israel appears inclined toward a phased extension of the existing truce.

The Role of International Mediators

Egypt and Qatar have been instrumental in facilitating dialogue, seeking to create conditions for an extended ceasefire. The United States, while officially supporting mediation efforts, continues to walk a diplomatic tightrope due to its strong alliance with Israel. A senior Hamas official, Taher Al-Nono, confirmed multiple meetings between Hamas and the US hostage envoy Adam Boehler, stating:

"Several meetings have taken place between leaders of the Palestinian group Hamas and US hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler."

This engagement signals a potential shift in US policy, with Washington recognizing that negotiations with Hamas may be necessary to de-escalate the crisis.

Electricity Cuts and the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

Israel’s latest move to cut off electricity to Gaza has intensified an already dire humanitarian situation. The decision, framed as a pressure tactic against Hamas, has been widely condemned. Hamas spokesperson Izzat al-Rishq criticized the move, calling it:

"A desperate attempt to pressure our people and their resistance through cheap and unacceptable blackmail tactics."

The impact of the power cut has been immediate and devastating. The main desalination plant in Gaza, which supplies clean water to hundreds of thousands, has been forced to scale down operations. Palestinians are queuing for hours just to get a loaf of bread, and a fire in a food aid warehouse in Gaza has further exacerbated shortages. The question remains—are these humanitarian disasters being used as leverage in ceasefire negotiations?

Hostages: A Key Negotiating Factor

The release of hostages remains central to ongoing discussions. Hamas has indicated its willingness to release a US-Israeli hostage, Edan Alexander, as part of a broader deal to end the war. Meanwhile, freed Israeli hostages have publicly urged Netanyahu to fully implement the ceasefire deal. In a letter signed by 56 former captives, they stated:

"We who have experienced the inferno know that a return to war is life-threatening for those still left behind."

This plea places additional pressure on the Israeli government to prioritize hostage negotiations over military escalation.

The US Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Activism

In an alarming development, US immigration agents have arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University, known for his role in pro-Palestinian protests. This arrest aligns with former President Donald Trump's renewed pledge to deport foreign students involved in such activism.

The move has sparked outrage among human rights groups and underscores a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices in the West. The question arises: Is the suppression of dissent abroad linked to the diplomatic maneuvers surrounding the ceasefire talks?

Analysis: What Comes Next?

Will the ceasefire talks lead to real peace? The involvement of international mediators offers hope, but Israel and Hamas remain fundamentally opposed on long-term goals.

How will Israel’s electricity cut impact negotiations? By exacerbating humanitarian suffering, Israel may seek to force Hamas into concessions. However, this approach risks global condemnation.

What role does the US play? By engaging Hamas directly, the US signals a possible shift in its traditionally pro-Israel stance. However, domestic crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism suggest political tensions at home.

The Path Forward: Challenges and Opportunities

The OIC’s endorsement of the Arab plan marks a significant step toward a sustainable solution for Gaza. However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Hamas’s refusal to disarm, Israel’s intransigence, and the US’s lukewarm response to the plan all pose obstacles to its implementation.

The upcoming June Conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, offers an important opportunity to advance the two-state solution and secure international support for Gaza’s reconstruction. As Deputy Prime Minister Dar emphasized, "The OIC must mobilize its collective influence to press for the recognition of the state of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations."

Conclusion: A Crossroads for the Muslim World

The OIC summit on the Israel-Palestine war reflected both the strengths and weaknesses of the Muslim world’s response to the crisis. While powerful statements were made and resolutions passed, the actual impact remains uncertain. Unless the OIC can move beyond rhetoric and take decisive, united action, it risks being seen as an ineffective body in the global arena.

The OIC summit has sent a clear message: the international community must act decisively to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law. The Arab reconstruction plan offers a viable alternative to Trump’s displacement agenda, but its success depends on sustained international pressure and cooperation.

As the Palestinian people endure yet another Ramadan under siege, the world must not look away. The time for empty gestures is over; the time for action is now. The OIC’s unified stand is a step in the right direction, but it will take unwavering commitment to turn this vision into reality. Only then can there be peace.

The war in Palestine is not just a regional conflict—it is a test of the Muslim world’s ability to stand for justice. Whether the OIC will rise to the occasion or continue to be a diplomatic spectator remains to be seen. One thing is clear: time is running out for Palestine, and history will judge those who chose silence over action.