Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK (AOHR UK) has stated that it is shameful for Arab and Islamic nations to maintain diplomatic ties with Israel, especially as the latter continues its genocidal campaign against civilians in the Gaza Strip, openly and in broad daylight.
While the chilling scenes of death and devastation moved the consciences of leaders in countries such as Colombia, Bolivia, and Chile – some of whom expelled the Israeli ambassador and others recalled their own for consultations – these images did not stir any emotions in the hearts and minds of Arab and Muslim leaders from countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey. These nations maintained their diplomatic relations with Israel, even though Israel withdrew its missions from most of these countries for fear of the public’s outrage.
AOHR UK poses a significant question: What red lines must Israel cross for regional leaders to take action? Is it not enough that the death toll has exceeded ten thousand, with thirty thousand injured? Just yesterday and today, Israel has committed massacres, destroying entire neighbourhoods in Jabalia and killing hundreds.
AOHR UK emphasized that some of these countries haven’t merely maintained their diplomatic relations with Israel, but they are also inciting Israel and bolstering its resolve to complete its mission. Yet, these leaders are perturbed by the uproar caused by the massacres, rushing to media platforms to issue false statements condemning the massacres, trying to appear supportive of Palestinians.
AOHR UK urges all nations that respect the principles of international humanitarian law to follow the lead of countries that have expelled Israeli ambassadors. This is a minimal symbolic gesture against a rogue state committing heinous crimes.
Given the despairing stance of Arab and Islamic countries, the organization has reached out to nations like Chile, Colombia, South Africa, and others to propose a strong resolution to the Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid, protected by an international force.
In its communications to these countries, AOHR UK insisted that the proposed resolution must include a clause emphasizing the need to refer the crime of genocide to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. This ensures those responsible for these grave crimes are held accountable and not allowed to escape punishment.
Considering the dire humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, accentuated by fuel shortages that imperil countless lives, AOHR UK appeals to esteemed religious figures: Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayeb; Grand Mufti of Oman, Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Khalili; Pope Francis; and the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in England.
AOHR UK hopes that, in unity, the religious figures can facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid via the Rafah Crossing, unhindered by Israeli checks. Concurrently, the organization believes that these influential figures could play a pivotal role in urging an immediate cessation of hostilities.
