RAMALLAH, October 14, 2026 (WAFA) — Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), condemned Colombia’s opening of an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, stressing that the move violates international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 478 of 1980. The resolution called on states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the holy city and affirmed the invalidity of Israeli legislative and administrative measures aimed at changing Jerusalem’s character and status.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the organization categorically rejects any positions, decisions or measures that could entrench Israel’s unlawful occupation, reinforce its purported sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or undermine international efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.

In this regard, the secretary-general sent a written message to Colombia’s foreign minister, urging him to reverse the decision. He said the move supports Israeli measures aimed at changing Jerusalem’s character, legal status and demographic composition, infringes on the rights of the Palestinian people, and disregards the city’s religious and historical significance to Muslims and Christians around the world.

Ould Cheikh Ahmed warned of the far-reaching consequences the decision could have for Colombia’s relations with countries across the Islamic world.

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