OIC: We condemn Israel's attack on Hebron and demand an end to displacement

This came in a statement issued by the organization, following the Israeli army's demolition of dozens of homes and the forced displacement of about 2,500 Palestinians.

Brahim Taha stated that the Israeli attack represents a dangerous escalation that falls within the policy of "ethnic cleansing and forced displacement" pursued by Israel against the Palestinians.

He warned that "these practices aim to change the demographic composition and geographical character of the city of Hebron and its surroundings."

Brahim Taha affirmed that "the systematic demolition of homes and the mass displacement of residents constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law."

He also denounced the continued closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque by the Israeli army and the prevention of Palestinians from accessing it to perform prayers, considering this an assault on freedom of worship and the sanctity of holy sites.

The OIC Secretary-General held Israel fully responsible for the repercussions of these violations.

He renewed his call to the Security Council and the international community to "take immediate measures to stop the attack on Hebron, prevent the displacement of its residents, and hold those responsible for the violations accountable."

The organization's position comes in light of a broad Israeli military operation that began on Friday in Hebron, which included besieging the city, demolishing homes and facilities, and forcing Palestinian families to flee.

The Israeli army also converted Palestinian homes into military barracks and observation posts, and closed roads and entrances to the city, amidst strict restrictions on the movement of residents.

The military operation began following a shooting attack carried out by two Palestinians on Friday at an Israeli checkpoint near Hebron, which resulted in their deaths, the death of two Israeli soldiers, and the injury of 3 other soldiers, according to Israeli data.

The operation coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's threat to launch a wider military operation in the West Bank, which he described as unprecedented since the June 1967 war.

Since the start of the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, the Israeli army and settlers have escalated their attacks on Palestinians and their property in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

The attacks include killing and arresting Palestinians, demolishing homes and facilities, bulldozing agricultural land, and displacing Palestinian communities, in addition to settlement expansion.