The Republic of The Gambia, in its capacity as Chair of the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), successfully chaired the Extraordinary Open-Ended Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee at the level of Permanent Representatives on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025, at the OIC General Secretariat Headquarters in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
His Excellency Ambassador Habib T.B. Jarra, Chargรฉ dโAffaires of the Embassy of The Gambia in Riyadh and Acting Permanent Representative to the OIC, presided over the meeting and delivered a powerful and principled statement on behalf of the Government of The Gambia and the OIC Chair.
Ambassador Jarra, addressing representatives of OIC Member and Observer States, condemned the continued aggression and violations perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people, particularly the recent illegal decision to seize control over the Prophet Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, a site sacred to Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
โThe Gambia unequivocally rejects this provocative and unlawful action, which violates International Law, the Hebron Agreement, and the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property,โ Ambassador Jarra emphasized.
He reiterated The Gambiaโs call for the international community, especially UNESCO and the United Nations, to urgently intervene to halt these violations and uphold the sanctity of religious sites in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The meeting witnessed the active participation of Member States of the Executive Committee, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Turkiye, the Republic of Cameroon, and the Republic of Iraq, along with other OIC Member States. The Gambian delegation also included H.E. Mr. Ebou A. Ndure, Consul General in Jeddah, and Mr. Alagie Jawara, First Secretary (Political & Economic Affairs) at the Embassy in Riyadh.
Following constructive deliberations, the meeting concluded with the unanimous adoption of a Final Communique, reaffirming the collective position of OIC Member States in defending the rights of the Palestinian people and preserving the religious and historical heritage of Islamic holy sites.
The Gambia continues to stand in full solidarity with the people of Palestine and remains committed to all peaceful, diplomatic, and legal efforts in pursuit of justice, sovereignty, and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Shareef as its capital.
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