
OIC Reports Spike in Israeli Violence First Week of April
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) Media Observatory documented 2,725 Israeli violations against Palestinians Between April 1 and 7, 2025. Chief among them was the bombing of the 'Dar Al-Arqam' school for displaced people in Gaza's Al-Tuffah neighborhood, which killed 31 Palestinians—mostly women and children.
The report also highlighted the killing of journalists and the emergence of a video showing the field execution of 14 individuals, including a UN staff member. Additionally, Israeli forces targeted a UNRWA-affiliated clinic, resulting in 55 deaths, again primarily women and children. Meanwhile, settlers torched UNRWA-owned land in Al-Quds.
These incidents occurred amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) shut down bakeries due to a lack of supplies caused by continued closure of aid crossings. Israel also escalated operations around Rafah—demolishing homes, expanding buffer zones, and asserting control over the Morag Corridor—repeating tactics seen in northern Gaza as part of a broader displacement strategy.
In the first week of April alone, the observatory recorded 400 Palestinian deaths and 1,112 injuries. Since October 7, 2023, the death toll has surpassed 51,700, with more than 122,175 injured.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces carried out 184 raids, arrested 179 Palestinians, and demolished at least eight homes. Two Palestinian children were killed, three injured, and nine detained. Reports also noted attacks on mosques, including incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque by extremists.
Settlement expansion continued with land confiscation for buffer zones and new outposts. Settlers launched 39 attacks on Palestinian communities, damaging olive groves, stealing livestock, cutting electricity, and setting fire to homes and vehicles.
Related Topics :
Saudi Arabia Stands Firm Against Palestinian Displacement at OIC Summit
Syria Welcomes Re-activation of Frozen OIC Membership After 13 Years
OIC Welcomes Slovenia's Decision to Recognize Palestine
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets OIC Sec. Gen.
Short link :
Post Views: 1
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Asharq Al-Awsat
4 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Jordan, Lebanon Committed to Two-State Solution, Reject Plans to Displace Palestinians
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed on Tuesday during talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II the importance of strengthening security and defense cooperation between their countries, especially in the field of combating terrorism and smuggling. Aoun began an official visit to Jordan on Tuesday, where he met with King Abdullah II at the Basman Palace in Amman. The two leaders agreed to form a high-level coordination mechanism between their countries in a number of sectors. They discussed ways to boost ties between Jordan and Lebanon, as well as recent developments in the region. King Abdullah and Aoun expressed their pride in the deep-rooted relations between Amman and Beirut, and the importance of continuing to build on them in service of mutual interests and Arab causes. They stressed the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern. At the regional level, the leaders reiterated their rejection of any plans to displace Palestinians, and urged stepping up Arab and international efforts to reach just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, reported Lebanon's National New Agency (NNA) They urged the need to immediately reinstate the ceasefire in Gaza and ensure adequate humanitarian aid reaches all areas of the enclave, said a statement by Jordan's royal court. King Abdullah also highlighted the danger of the unprecedented Israeli escalation and violence targeting Palestinians in the West Bank, and Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Aoun stressed the need to strengthen security and defense cooperation between Lebanon and Jordan, especially in the field of combating terrorism and smuggling, said a Lebanese presidency statement. He underlined the importance of boosting economic and trade cooperation and exchanging expertise to promote sustainable development. The meeting covered the importance of increasing the volume of trade exchange and promoting joint investments, particularly in energy, electricity, and infrastructure sectors. Discussing the situation in southern Lebanon, Aoun reiterated his country's commitment 'to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, while denouncing the continued Israeli aggression against the southern villages and suburbs of Beirut.' The president also drew attention to the pressing issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, describing it as a significant burden on both countries that requires a just solution ensuring safe and dignified repatriation. On Lebanese-Syrian relations following the ouster of the Assad regime, Aoun said Lebanese and Syrian authorities are coordinating to address issues related to the situation on their joint borders.


Leaders
16 hours ago
- Leaders
Former Israeli PM Olmert Denounces Gaza Conflict: "What is it if not a war crime?"
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has sharply criticized the current political leadership and military actions in Israel. In a recent interview with CNN, he expressed his inability to defend Israel against accusations of war crimes. Olmert, who served from 2006 to 2009, highlighted the ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the rising death toll among Palestinians. A Rhetorical Question on War Crimes 'What is it if not a war crime?' Olmert asked rhetorically during the interview. He accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right government members of committing actions that cannot be justified. Since the war began, Olmert has defended Israel against claims of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. He previously asserted that Israel does not deliberately target civilians, especially women and children. However, after 19 months of conflict, Olmert believes he can no longer maintain that defense. Following the publication of his op-ed in Haaretz, he stated, 'What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of devastation.' He described the military actions as indiscriminate, limitless, cruel, and criminal against civilians. CNN has reached out to the Prime Minister's Office for a response to Olmert's statements. Rising Casualties in Gaza According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 54,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the war began. This figure includes at least 28,000 women and children. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported in January that they had killed more than 20,000 Hamas fighters. Olmert emphasized the need to protect uninvolved civilians in Gaza from military operations, which he deemed unjustified. 'I think that we have to make sure that no uninvolved people in Gaza are hurt,' he said. Olmert directed most of his criticism toward Netanyahu and far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. He expressed hope that this government would soon disappear, stating, 'I believe that the majority of Israelis are sick and tired of these policies.' He lamented the damage this government has caused to Israel's moral integrity. Polls indicate that most Israelis support a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. This agreement would involve the release of the remaining 58 hostages held in Gaza and an end to the ongoing conflict. Despite this, Netanyahu has refused to commit to a ceasefire, insisting that military operations will continue until Hamas is defeated. Hope for Change Through Trump Like many hostage families who have lost faith in Netanyahu, Olmert looks to U.S. President Donald Trump for assistance in ending the war. He believes Trump is one of the few individuals capable of compelling Netanyahu to confront the reality of the situation. 'I really certainly think that he is the only person perhaps that can force the Israeli prime minister to come to terms with reality,' Olmert concluded. Short link : Post Views: 17


Leaders
16 hours ago
- Leaders
Western Allies Impose Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Violence
The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on Tuesday announcing coordinated sanctions and other measures targeting Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The five countries said the measures are a response to what they described as 'extremist rhetoric' and human rights abuses that have fueled settler violence, resulting in Palestinian deaths and the displacement of entire communities. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich Accusation 'Settler violence is incited by extremist rhetoric which calls for Palestinians to be driven from their homes, encourages violence and human rights abuses, and fundamentally rejects the two-state solution,' the ministers said. 'We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution, which is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term regional stability.' The statement directly accused Ben-Gvir and Smotrich—both far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet—of inciting such violence and promoting policies that undermine prospects for peace. 'Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous,' the ministers said. 'These actions are not acceptable.' Despite extensive diplomatic engagement with Israel, the governments said violent actors continue to operate with 'encouragement and impunity,' prompting the decision to act now. The foreign ministers stressed that the measures do not reflect a shift in their support for Israel's security. They reiterated condemnation of Hamas's attacks on Oct. 7 and emphasized their continued desire for strong ties with the Israeli people. The Joint Statement 'Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world,' the statement said. The ministers also linked their concerns about West Bank violence to the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 'We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid,' they said, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access. 'There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip,' the statement added. 'We want to see a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas and a political pathway to a two-state solution.' Short link : Post Views: 16