OIC to Host 2024 International Symposium on Al-Quds in Jeddah

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) will jointly host the 2024 International Symposium on the Question of Al-Quds, scheduled for Monday, July 1, 2024, at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The symposium, themed “Al-Quds and the Gaza War: Palestinian Identity and Existence Under Threat of Erasure,” will address the escalating challenges facing Jerusalem amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Context and Background

This international symposium reflects the OIC’s steadfast commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights and the legal status of Jerusalem. The gathering comes at a critical juncture when the Israeli occupation has intensified forced displacement and property confiscation in the holy city, often described as a process of ‘Judaization.’ Such actions, which violate international law and United Nations resolutions, have drawn widespread international attention.

Holding the symposium in Jeddah, a city that hosts the OIC headquarters, underscores Saudi Arabia’s central role in supporting Islamic causes and promoting peace in the region. The Kingdom has consistently advocated for a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-state framework, a stance deeply rooted in its foreign policy principles.

Key Details of the Symposium

The event will open with a keynote session featuring addresses from the OIC Secretary-General, representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Palestine, and the United Nations, as well as the Chairman of CEIRPP. A panel discussion titled “Al-Quds in the Shadow of the War on Gaza: Challenges to Peace and Security in the Region and Beyond” will bring together four experts from Jerusalem, who will offer on-the-ground insights into the complex realities faced by Palestinians.

The symposium’s theme deliberately underscores the existential threats posed by the war in Gaza, which has led to unprecedented humanitarian crises and mass displacement. Participants will examine the systematic violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, while exploring legal and diplomatic avenues to halt aggression and revive a viable political process.

Implications and International Impact

This initiative is expected to strengthen joint international efforts to end the Israeli military operations in Gaza and promote a return to negotiations based on international law and United Nations resolutions. The symposium aims to generate a robust call for action, including the independence of the State of Palestine on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

By choosing Jeddah as the venue, the symposium also elevates Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic profile, reinforcing its position as a hub for international discourse and conflict resolution. The Kingdom’s active role in facilitating such high-level debates underlines its leadership in the Islamic world and its broader contribution to global peace and security.

Vision 2030 Alignment

While Vision 2030 focuses primarily on economic transformation and social development, it also seeks to consolidate the Kingdom’s role as a center for regional and international affairs. Hosting events like the Al-Quds Symposium showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to using its geopolitical and cultural weight to support global peace, a key element of a stable environment for economic prosperity. As the Kingdom continues to diversify and modernize, its diplomatic engagements in Jeddah strengthen its standing as a trusted partner in international relations, aligning perfectly with the aspirational goals of the Vision.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the 2024 International Symposium on Al-Quds?

A1. The 2024 International Symposium on Al-Quds is a high-level event organized by the OIC and the UN CEIRPP to discuss the challenges facing Palestinian identity and existence in Jerusalem under Israeli occupation, with particular focus on the ongoing Gaza war.

Q2. Who are the primary organizers of this symposium?

A2. The primary organizers are the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP), both holding significant roles in international diplomacy.

Q3. When and where will the symposium take place?

A3. The symposium is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a central location for many international bodies and diplomatic meetings.

Q4. What is the theme of the 2024 symposium?

A4. The theme is “Al-Quds and the Gaza War: Palestinian Identity and Existence Under Threat of Erasure,” highlighting the devastating impact of the Gaza war on Palestinian presence and rights in Jerusalem.

Q5. What is the main objective of the symposium?

A5. The main objective is to shed light on Israeli policies of forced displacement and property confiscation in Jerusalem, and to promote international support to halt the Israeli aggression on Gaza, and advocate for a peaceful solution based on international law.

Q6. Which Israeli policies will be highlighted?

A6. The symposium will focus on the intensifying forced displacement, confiscation of Palestinian property, and the process of ‘Judaization’ in Jerusalem, which are violations of international law and human rights.

Q7. How does the symposium address the Gaza war?

A7. It will give special focus to the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza, including the mass displacement of Palestinian civilians and other violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, in the context of the broader conflict.

Q8. What is the expected outcome of the symposium?

A8. The symposium aims to foster joint support for international efforts to halt Israeli aggression, restart a political process, and achieve a just, comprehensive peace with an independent State of Palestine on the pre-1967 borders.

Q9. Who will speak at the opening session?

A9. The opening session will feature speeches from the OIC Secretary-General, representatives of Saudi Arabia, the State of Palestine, the United Nations, and the Chairman of CEIRPP, according to the official program.

Q10. What is the panel discussion about?

A10. The panel discussion, titled “Al-Quds in the Shadow of the War on Gaza: Challenges to Peace and Security in the Region and Beyond,” will discuss the regional and global implications of the conflict and its impact on peace.

Q11. How many experts will participate in the panel?

A11. Four experts from Jerusalem will participate in the panel discussion, offering unique perspectives on the challenges, realities, and opportunities for peace in the region.

Q12. Why is Jeddah significant for this symposium?

A12. Jeddah is the headquarters city of the OIC, and its selection highlights Saudi Arabia’s central role in diplomatic coordination and its reputation as a venue for international peace efforts.

Q13. What does OIC stand for?

A13. OIC stands for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, an intergovernmental organization that comprises 57 member states, dedicated to promoting Islamic solidarity and supporting the Palestinian cause.

Q14. What is CEIRPP’s role?

A14. The CEIRPP is a UN committee established to raise awareness of the Palestinian question and advocate for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination and independence.

Q15. What is Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Palestinian issue?

A15. Saudi Arabia has consistently supported the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the Arab Peace Initiative, and advocates for a just and comprehensive peace.

Q16. What does the pre-1967 borders mean?

A16. The pre-1967 borders refer to the armistice line before the 1967 war, which the UN recognizes as the boundary for a future independent State of Palestine, alongside Israel. The symposium supports this.

Q17. How does the symposium relate to international law?

A17. The symposium emphasizes that all actions must adhere to international law, including humanitarian law, and United Nations resolutions, and it seeks to expose violations while promoting legal accountability.

Q18. How does the symposium contribute to Vision 2030?

A18. Hosting such international symposiums aligns with Vision 2030’s objective to bolster Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in the Islamic and global arenas, enhancing diplomatic influence and fostering a stable environment for economic transformation.

Q19. What is the duration of the symposium?

A19. The symposium is planned as a one-day event on Monday, featuring an opening session and a panel discussion, as outlined in the program, without announced follow-up days.

Q20. What steps are expected after the symposium?

A20. Following the symposium, it is expected that a call for action and recommendations will be issued, directed to the international community, to intensify efforts to stop the aggression in Gaza and resume the political process.

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