OIC Chief Slams Israeli Assault on Hebron, Displacement of 1,500 Palestinians

The Israeli military launched a massive assault on Hebron, resulting in the forced displacement of 1,500 Palestinians from their homes, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Sunday.

The OIC Secretary-General, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, strongly condemned the assault, warning that it is part of a broader policy of ethnic cleansing and forced displacement by Israeli occupation forces and settlers.

He expressed concern about the colonial schemes aimed at changing the demographic and geographic character of Hebron and its surroundings, stressing that systematic demolitions and mass displacement violate international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

The OIC chief also denounced ongoing Israeli restrictions on religious sites in Hebron, including the continued closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque and restrictions on worshippers' access, calling these measures a blatant attack on freedom of worship.

Ould Cheikh Ahmed held Israel fully responsible for the consequences of these actions and urged the international community and the UN Security Council to take immediate action to halt the assault, prevent further displacement, and provide urgent protection for Palestinians.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a longstanding issue, with tensions escalating over the years due to disputes over land, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem.

The international community has repeatedly called for a two-state solution, but efforts have been hindered by ongoing violence and settlement expansion.

The situation in Hebron remains volatile, with the city's strategic location and historical significance making it a focal point of contention.

The forced displacement of Palestinians from their homes has been a recurring theme in the conflict, with many facing difficulties in accessing basic necessities like housing, healthcare, and education.