IPHRC condemns Israeli violence in Jerusalem

JEDDAH: The OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) is appalled by the loss of precious lives and injuries to hundreds of Palestinians as a result of the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of violence by the Israeli forces to quell the peaceful protests against the illegal measures to close the Al-Aqsa Mosque, denying them the right to freely practice their religion.

IPHRC said the Israeli measures at the Al-Aqsa compound are in contravention of relevant international law instruments. Instead of respecting the historical and legal status of the compound, Israel has resorted to violent measures which are pushing the matter into a religious confrontation, affecting Muslims all around the world with dangerous repercussions for the regional and international peace and security.

It called upon the international community, in particular the UN Security Council and the UNESCO, to take all necessary measures in forcing the Israeli authorities to respect the civil, political, economic, cultural and religious rights of the Palestinian Muslims, as well as to hold responsible all those who perpetrated the violence.

IPHRC welcomed the communique issued during a meeting in Jeddah and, while appreciating the resolve and steadfastness of the Palestinian Muslims to bear the ongoing brutalities, rejected all Israeli measures to alter the historic status quo in Al-Quds, which include recent installation of surveillance cameras and metal detectors aimed at violation of its identity, stature and religious and spiritual sanctity of the third holiest site in Islam.

It also called upon all OIC member states to firmly stand against the illegal Israeli measures and to extend all out moral, political and humanitarian support to their Palestinian brethren to face the ongoing challenges with resolve and steadfastness.