Tunis: The Islamic Committee of the International Crescent of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued the Tunis Declaration on the humanitarian situation in the Islamic world in light of the worsening crises experienced by many Islamic countries, and within the framework of efforts to enhance joint humanitarian action.

According to Union of OIC News Agencies, this announcement came on the occasion of the Committee's thirty-eighth session, held in Tunis on May 26 and 27, 2025, which was attended by the Tunisian Red Crescent. The session saw participation from representatives of National Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies from countries including Tunisia, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Turkey, and Guinea, along with entities like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization, the Islamic Solidarity Fund, the Islamic Organization for Food Security, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as observers.

The declaration expresses deep concern over deteriorating humanitarian conditions in regions such as Palestine, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin. Millions of civilians in these areas face the challenges of displacement, hunger, and lack of essential services.

The Committee's declaration condemns the grave violations by Israeli occupation forces against civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories, specifically the Gaza Strip. These actions have resulted in numerous casualties and significant destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, health centers, schools, and shelters, affecting primarily children and women.

The Committee also denounces the targeting of medical personnel and relief teams and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, which violates international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. Such actions are seen as a systematic policy of starvation and collective siege.

The declaration calls on the international community, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and UN humanitarian agencies to take immediate action to stop these crimes, ensure protection for civilians and aid workers, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and establish safe corridors for relief efforts.

Furthermore, the Committee urges member states, humanitarian organizations, and international partners to intensify their efforts in providing urgent assistance and enhancing sustainable relief and community development programs.

The Committee emphasizes the importance of adhering to principles of neutrality, independence, and humanity in humanitarian actions, rejecting any politicization of these efforts or their use as tools of pressure.

Finally, the declaration acknowledges the initiatives by member states and relief organizations to alleviate suffering, advocating for stronger coordination and information exchange among humanitarian bodies, activation of rapid response units, and strengthened partnerships with regional and international entities.