The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which brings together 57 Muslim-majority countries, held an extraordinary summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where it firmly condemned Israel’s expansionist policies and put on the table the possibility of pushing for its suspension from the United Nations. The meeting, which gathered foreign ministers and high-level representatives, was marked by a common discourse in defense of Palestine and by unanimous rejection of what they described as the “extremist vision” of a Greater Israel.
Islamic leaders denounced that Israel has not only intensified its offensive in Gaza but has also violated basic principles of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, undermining the foundations of regional peace and security. In that regard, the OIC declared that it will formally examine whether Israel meets the requirements of UN membership and that it will coordinate with other international blocs to open a process leading to its suspension.
This stance was met with applause from several delegates, who insisted that it is not merely a symbolic gesture but a political step aimed at exerting global diplomatic pressure. The final declaration of the summit reiterated the need to investigate crimes committed against the Palestinian civilian population and to activate international protection mechanisms. It also urged member states to intensify diplomatic efforts in forums such as the UN Security Council and the General Assembly to curb Israel’s actions and support initiatives for sanctions or legal measures.
In the words of the representatives, the goal is not just to denounce, but to “hold accountable” the Israeli state for violations they consider systematic and deliberate. The Saudi hosts emphasized that the meeting reflects the unity of the Islamic world in the face of what they called a historic challenge. “Silence is no longer an option,” they stated, referring to the humanitarian deterioration in Gaza.
Several ministers stressed that this is not only a regional issue but also a threat to global stability, as prolonged conflicts generate insecurity and extremism that transcend borders. While the formal expulsion of a state from the UN is a complex process that requires a Security Council vote, the mere fact that the OIC is addressing Israel’s suspension represents a significant shift in the diplomatic strategy of these countries.
The initiative aims to place Israel under unprecedented political and moral pressure, reinforcing the idea that its permanence in the international body cannot be taken for granted if it continues with policies of occupation and violence. The extraordinary summit in Jeddah thus becomes a turning point in the relationship between Islamic states and the international community regarding the Middle East conflict.
The message was clear: Muslim countries are willing to use every possible channel to question Israel’s legitimacy at the UN and demand an immediate end to aggression. The proposal, though difficult to achieve, sends a signal of unity and a hardening of positions toward one of the most sensitive conflicts on the global stage.
