LAHORE: A draft resolution, circulated among the delegates to the Islamic Summit … today [Feb 20], calls upon all States, particularly those participating in peace negotiations in Geneva, to ensure that any settlement … was based on strict compliance with the principle of non-acquisition of territory by force, on the complete withdrawal of Israel from all Arab territories it had occupied since June 5, 1967, and on securing the rights of the people of Palestine.

Another draft resolution … calls for the restoration of the Holy City of Jerusalem to the status it had enjoyed for 1,300 years prior to Israeli occupation. This … was a paramount … prerequisite for any peace settlement in the Middle East and that any solution that did not restore this position would not be acceptable to the Islamic countries. …

The draft resolution on Jerusalem reaffirms commitment to the resolutions of the first Islamic Summit concerning the Holy City of Baitul Maqdis. It also reiterates the solemn resolution of the participating Governments to continue to strive for Jerusalem’s liberation. The resolution also condemns Israel’s refusal to comply with the resolutions of the UN.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2024