President Adama Barrow, who doubles as the chair of the 15th OIC summit, has called on member-states to come up with a decisive action to end the war in Gaza.

Gaza has been gripped in a devastating war since Israel launched a destructive invasion after Hamas attacked Israeli border towns last October.

In his opening statement at the 15th OIC summit in Banjul, Barrow assured Gambia’s commitment to championing the cause of peace and stability in regions troubled by conflicts. 

“We advocate implementing diplomatic solutions and providing humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of distressed people. Through proactive engagement and meaningful dialogue, we will encourage unity and solidarity among member states, based on a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and equitable future for all.

“In this context, it is essential to address the prolonged conflict in Palestine and the devastating wars in Gaza. Those encounters have caused endless human suffering for over seventy-five (75) years. Certainly, the plight of the Palestinians is a matter of grave concern, not only to the Muslim Ummah but also the entire world,” he told the OIC head of states meeting.

“The ongoing violence, instability in the region, and humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue to make the prospects for peace remote. In fact, the hostilities pose a serious threat to regional stability and global peace. I call upon member states to take decisive action to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a just and lasting solution.

“This should include convening a Comprehensive Peace Conference for all stakeholders to negotiate a settlement that provides for the rights, dignity, security, and sovereignty of the communities affected. In our view, military action is not an option; rather, we endorse a Peace Accord based on a two-state solution. This proposal is to guarantee both states the right to full sovereignty and self-determination,” President Barrow added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba