Konya calls on Israel to end oppression: ‘Crime against humanity’

The Mayor of Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Ugur Ibrahim Altay, read a joint decision statement of the Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC), condemning Israel for its crimes against humanity and calling for an immediate and unconditional end to its oppression.

The OICC, which has 187 members from 57 Islamic countries, held its 15th General Conference and 33rd Executive Board meeting, hosted by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality. In his closing speech, Mayor Altay emphasized projects and strategies rooted in the deep traditions of Islamic civilization, aimed at fostering hope for the future.

Mayor Altay’s speech

Mayor Altay emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and cultural and economic cooperation in collective efforts. He stated, “The topics discussed and the debates we had provided new perspectives on the future of the Islamic world. We have taken significant steps to strengthen the bonds between our cities, increase prosperity, and create a better world for future generations.”

Throughout the meetings, Mayor Altay consistently expressed support for the Palestinians facing genocide in Gaza due to Israel’s heinous attacks. He said, “We reiterated our determination to be the voice of the oppressed around the world. Peace must be established immediately. The establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is the only condition for peace and stability. We are ready to work diligently to rebuild the destroyed cities, particularly Gaza, once peace is established. As President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated, we will continue to support all efforts to increase the safety and welfare of the Palestinian people with all our strength.”

A strengthened spirit of solidarity

Mayor Altay emphasized the importance of Islamic cities being more active on the global stage and ready to take the necessary steps to make their voices heard worldwide. He said, “The decisions and strategies we have established today will illuminate our path forward. Our mutual support, solutions to common problems, and new projects will reinforce our hopes for the future in line with the OICC’s mission. I believe this conference has strengthened the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity in the Islamic world and opened new doors for achieving our common goals. I extend heartfelt thanks to all the members, scholars, and guests who participated in this valuable gathering.”

Mayor Altay noted that Konya has been known for its hospitality, tolerance, and sincerity throughout history, and it is an honor and a pleasure to host such an important conference. “Hosting this significant conference is not just a duty but also a friendship that leaves deep marks in our hearts. If Konya’s open-heartedness and hospitality have left beautiful memories in your hearts, we will be very pleased. Our doors and hearts are always open for you. I believe you will carry Konya’s message of peace and brotherhood in the most sacred place in your hearts,” he added.

“Solidarity is essential for peace.”

Konya Governor Vahdettin Ozkan expressed his great honor in hosting such a meeting. He stated, “Konya has been a center of science and knowledge for centuries, attracting scholars. This knowledge has shaped values that have led to development. The essence lies in ensuring peace, security, and a high quality of life for people, while also looking forward with confidence. It is well known that the threats to peace have increased, particularly today. Establishing peace requires fundamental human values and solidarity. The organizations developed among Islamic cities, including material unity, economic cooperation, and experience sharing, are also of great importance in passing these values on to future generations. I hope the decisions made at this meeting will lead to good, blessings, and peace.”

Supporting the boycott against Israel

At the program’s closing session, Mayor Altay read the recommendations that the OICC 15th General Conference in Konya had adopted.

• Condemning Israel: “We strongly condemn Israel for its crimes against humanity in the 21st century and call for an immediate and unconditional end to its oppression in Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon.”

• Strengthening Social and Economic Solidarity: Initiating actions to mobilize all means to stop all wars causing the destruction of cities, especially in Gaza.

• Rebuilding Destroyed Cities: Creating common work grounds among members for the reconstruction of destroyed cities, especially Gaza, and supporting these grounds to realize projects with all material and spiritual contributions.

• Economic Boycott: Contributing to the global economic boycott by refraining from purchasing goods and services from individuals, institutions, and organizations linked to Israel, as well as raising awareness among city residents.

• Protecting City Culture and Identity: Preserving our cities’ culture, identity, and fabric, as well as recording necessary technical data and plans for rebuilding in the event of war or natural disasters.

• Supporting Refugees: Improving experience sharing and solidarity among members regarding the humane and brotherly lives of refugees forced to live in Islamic cities, as well as supporting international students who are unable to receive support from their countries or families.

• Addressing Global Issues: Increasing awareness and executing experience-sharing projects among members on global issues like the climate crisis, refugee problems, and food security, as well as actively reflecting members’ views in international local government organizations.

• Supporting Zero Waste Efforts: Benefiting from the experiences of Turkish cities, especially the Konya Metropolitan Municipality, in zero waste efforts, preventing waste, using resources more efficiently, establishing effective waste collection systems, recycling trash, and reducing environmental pollution.

• Enhancing Coordination Capacity: Calling on members to ramp up initiatives to increase the OICC’s coordination capacity in order to effectively sustain cooperation among members.

Source: Newsroom