RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - On the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners' Day, observed annually on 17 April, 2026, the General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reaffirmed its unwavering support and solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli occupation prisons. The OIC expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions faced by more than 9,500 Palestinian prisoners, including 73 women and 350 children. The organisation also noted that the number of detainees from the Gaza Strip remains unknown, adding to the urgency of the situation.

The General Secretariat condemned what it described as systematic and inhumane crimes committed against Palestinian prisoners. It highlighted the recent ratification of the death penalty targeting them as a grave escalation.

According to the OIC, prisoners are routinely deprived of basic human rights guaranteed under international humanitarian law. These include access to education, medical treatment, and contact with the outside world.

The statement detailed those prisoners are subjected to deliberate and systematic abuse, including torture, dehumanisation, psychological terror, sexual violence, rape, starvation, and prolonged solitary confinement. The OIC stated that such practices amount to war crimes and genocide under international criminal law.

The General Secretariat stressed that these actions by the Israeli occupation violate international humanitarian law, the Charter of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions, and other relevant international conventions. It called for redoubled efforts to prosecute and hold the occupation accountable in accordance with international criminal law.

Finally, the OIC affirmed its commitment to continuing political, legal, and media efforts to strengthen global solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. It pledged to raise their plight in competent international forums, including the UN General Assembly, the UN Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court, to defend their rights and work toward their freedom, justice, and dignity.

SOURCE: Organization of Islamic Cooperation / OIC