Israeli bombardment intensifies amid famine warnings; Critics ask why Muslim nations act too late as Gaza’s death toll surpasses 62,000
At least 19 Palestinians, including four journalists, have been killed in the latest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, as foreign ministers from Muslim-majority nations convene in Jeddah for an emergency session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The meeting comes nearly two years into Israel’s war on Gaza, which has already claimed over 62,000 lives, the majority women and children, and pushed half a million people into famine conditions.
The war began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, but Israel’s response has been described by rights groups as devastatingly disproportionate. Within hours, Israel launched an unrelenting bombing campaign on the besieged enclave, targeting densely populated neighbourhoods. By October 13, its forces had moved in on the ground, and less than two weeks later, on October 27, Israel escalated to a full-scale invasion that has since flattened entire districts and left Gaza’s civilian population in ruins.
‘Why now?’
The OIC, a bloc of 57 states representing nearly two billion Muslims, is convening only now, despite relentless Israeli bombardment and warnings from the United Nations of “entirely man-made famine.” Many Palestinians and human rights activists are asking why Muslim leaders have waited so long, and why their responses have been limited to statements rather than concrete diplomatic or economic action.
“If the OIC really represents Muslim nations, then why haven’t its members cut ties with Israel, imposed sanctions, or mobilised international pressure when children are starving and journalists are being killed?” a Palestinian civil society activist told local media.
Journalists among the dead
Latest Israeli strikes hit Nasser Hospital and residential areas in Gaza City, killing at least 19 people. Among the dead were Al Jazeera photojournalist Mohammed Salama, Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, NBC journalist Moaz Abu Taha, and freelance reporter Mariam Abu Daq, who contributed to outlets including The Independent Arabic and Associated Press.
Palestinian Civil Defence said ongoing shelling and blocked access routes have trapped hundreds under rubble in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods, while rescue teams are unable to reach the wounded. “There is no safe area in Gaza,” the agency said.
Israel presses on, OIC divided
Israel has approved a plan to seize full control of Gaza City, calling it the “last bastion of Hamas.” Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to “raze the city” unless Hamas accepts Israel’s terms. Hamas, in response, said Israel’s plan proves it is not serious about peace and held Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for the fate of Israeli prisoners in Gaza.
Meanwhile, OIC ministers in Jeddah are deliberating a coordinated response. But critics note that despite being the world’s second-largest intergovernmental organisation after the UN, the OIC has yet to present a unified strategy to stop Israeli attacks or end the humanitarian catastrophe.
Silence of Muslim capitals
Across the Muslim world, many governments maintain diplomatic or trade ties with Israel. Rights groups argue that without strong, collective measures, such as cutting relations, imposing economic boycotts, or lobbying Western capitals, statements of solidarity remain symbolic while Palestinians continue to die.
For Gaza’s besieged population, the question remains: will this meeting in Jeddah translate into real action, or will it be another late response, long after the bombs have fallen and lives have been lost?
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