Iran’s Zarif calls for Muslim unity against Israeli occupation

“We as Muslims must put aside our differences and within an organized framework take practical measures to [help] put an end to all signs of occupation,” Zarif said on Sunday.
 
The Iranian foreign minister made the remarks while addressing the 5th Extraordinary Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit on Palestinian issues in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.
 
The top diplomat lashed out at Israel for its “expansionist plans” to change the demographic makeup of al-Quds (Jerusalem) and its Judaization.
 
As a step toward the full liberation of Palestine, Zarif said, Muslim countries need to “prevent the illegal attempts by Israeli aggressors to change the status quo of the occupied al-Quds.”
 
He said “Israel’s continued and brutal occupation” of Palestinian territories is a breach of “the basic principles of international law.”
 
Elsewhere in his remarks, Zarif criticized the UN Security Council (UNSC) for failing to take action over Israeli “threat against global peace and security.”
 
Zarif also called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)’s member states to remain committed to the Palestinian cause.
 
The Iranian foreign minister said that a large number of governmental and non-governmental players around the world have distanced themselves from Israel because of its policies.
 
He expressed the Islamic Republic’s fortitude in supporting the Palestinians in their battle against Israel.
 
Heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, Zarif arrived in Jakarta Sunday on the first leg of an official visit to six Southeastern Asian and Pacific countries.
 
Indonesia is hosting the two-day extraordinary OIC summit on Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Shareef upon the request of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, held to consolidate the organization’s efforts to support the Palestinian people in their struggle for their rights and prepare the ground for the resumption of the peace process within a specific agenda and timetable.
 
Tensions have been running high in the occupied Palestinian territories since August 2015, when Israel imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshipers into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East al-Quds - the third holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina.
 
More than 190 Palestinians, including children and women, have lost their lives at the hands of Israeli forces since the beginning of last October.