JEDDAH, September 27, 2026 (WAFA) – The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) unequivocally condemned Israel’s establishment and expansion of colonial settlements in the occupied Palestinian Territory, affirming that these settlements have no legal basis and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
In a statement issued today, Sunday, the Commission noted that the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in its two advisory opinions issued in 2004 and 2024, affirmed the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian Territory. The Court clarified in its 2024 advisory opinion that Israel must immediately cease all new settlement activities, evacuate all colonists, and end its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible.
It added that United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016) likewise affirmed that the establishment of settlements constitutes a flagrant violation of international law.
The Commission expressed its appreciation for the growing international attention, including within the framework of the United Nations, to considering measures that prohibit commercial entities from conducting activities in illegal colonial settlements, engaging in commercial dealings with them, or otherwise contributing to their continued existence.
The Commission also supported banning goods produced in settlements and related services and called for the regular updating of the United Nations database of companies involved in settlement-related activities.
It also called on states not to recognize the unlawful situation arising from Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian Territory, nor to render aid or assistance in maintaining it, and to take the necessary measures to ensure that companies under their jurisdiction do not contribute to or benefit from settlement activities.
The Commission urged the United Nations and its relevant human rights mechanisms to continue working to ensure compliance with international law and accountability for violations thereof.
The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reaffirmed its steadfast support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and to establish an independent and sovereign State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.
T.R.
