Banjul, Gambia – On May 4-5, 2024, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held its 15th Islamic Summit Conference to address the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, convened under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.” The summit aimed to form a unified stance against the genocide in Gaza. However, as of today, nothing has moved forward since the occurrence of this meeting. The OIC, which identifies itself as the “Voice of the Muslim World”, has once again highlighted its ineffectiveness, with no concrete measures taken to pressure Israel into a ceasefire or address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The summit saw attendance from a wide range of member states, including Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Jordan, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and many others. Despite the strong condemnation of Israel’s actions and calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the resolutions fell short of taking decisive measures. The OIC labeled the aggression as genocide and held Israel fully responsible for the deprivation of essential resources like food, water, and electricity. However, the call for unimpeded humanitarian aid and the opening of humanitarian corridors were not backed by any enforceable actions.

Bold Statements, Weak Follow-Through

The OIC expressed support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) efforts to investigate and prosecute Israeli officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Member states were encouraged to dispatch humanitarian aid to Gaza, and to mobilize financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction. Additionally, the council reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and condemned Israeli policies aimed at expanding settlements and displacing Palestinians. However, these statements did not translate into concrete measures that could exert significant pressure on Israel.

What Could Have Been Done

Several potential measures that could have been adopted to exert pressure on Israel were notably absent from the resolutions. Economic sanctions, which could have significantly impacted Israel’s economy, were not imposed. Comprehensive boycotts of Israeli products and services were not implemented, and there was no move to sever or downgrade diplomatic relations with Israel. The use of energy leverage by oil-rich OIC member states like Saudi Arabia, which could have included threats to reduce or cut off oil supplies to countries supporting Israel, was not considered. Additionally, providing military support to Palestinian groups, which could have altered the power dynamics, was not discussed.

Saudi Arabia’s Influential Yet Hesitant Role

The motivations behind influential members such as Saudi Arabia play a significant role in the OIC’s ineffectiveness. Saudi Arabia’s strong economic ties with Western countries, including significant arms deals and investments, make it hesitant to take actions that could jeopardize these relationships. The kingdom also aims to maintain regional stability and avoid actions that could escalate conflicts further. Political alliances, particularly with the United States, a close ally of Israel, further constrain Saudi Arabia’s willingness to take bold actions.

Turkey and Iran, on the other hand, advocate for more aggressive measures against Israel, including sanctions and military support for Palestinians. Their motivations are driven by a desire to assert leadership in the Muslim world and challenge Western influence in the region. Meanwhile, Egypt and Jordan, both having peace treaties with Israel, favor diplomatic solutions and are wary of actions that could disrupt these agreements and regional stability.

Analysis: Why the OIC Struggles to Mobilize for Action

The OIC’s inability to take decisive action against Israel can be attributed to several factors. The internal divisions among its member states, each with varying political interests, alliances, and approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, prevent the formation of a unified strategy. Economic and political dependencies on Western countries, including the United States, limit the willingness of many OIC member states to take actions that might jeopardize these relationships.

Furthermore, the OIC lacks a robust framework to enforce resolutions or compel member states to comply with collective decisions, reducing the impact of any agreed-upon actions. Diplomatic efforts often take precedence over direct action, with a preference for dialogue and mediation over sanctions and boycotts diluting the urgency and effectiveness of the OIC’s response.

Islamophobia and Its Implications

An underlying issue that exacerbates the OIC’s ineffectiveness is the pervasive problem of Islamophobia. The dehumanization of Palestinians, often framed within broader Islamophobic narratives, justifies their mass killing. This systemic bias affects all Muslims, and thus all OIC member states. Many OIC countries face Islamophobia domestically and internationally, yet fail to fully recognize their role in undermining.

The failure to address and combat Islamophobia weakens the OIC’s position and diminishes its moral authority. It is crucial for the member states to understand that the struggle against Islamophobia is intrinsically linked to their efforts to support the Palestinian cause.