Iran calls for ‘oil embargo’ against Israel over its aggression in Gaza

Iran called on member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to impose an oil embargo on Israel, according to a statement from the Iranian foreign ministry on Wednesday.

The statement came during Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian’s meeting with OIC General Secretary Hissein Brahim Taha in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.

Amirabdollahian is scheduled to attend an emergency OIC meeting to be held later on Wednesday after an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza killed more than 500 people late Tuesday.

During his meeting with Taha, Amirabdollahian called on the OIC foreign ministers to impose “an immediate and complete embargo on Israel by Islamic countries, including oil sanctions.’

The Iranian minister stressed that sanctions should also include the removal of Israeli ambassadors.

In addition, Amirabdollahian demanded the establishment of an Islamic legal team to compile evidence of any Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

Taha, for his part, said the OIC should take a common stance to put an end to Israel’s attacks.

More than 500 people were killed in the Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on Tuesday, according to Palestinian officials. Israel, however, has denied responsibility for the air raid.

Gaza is already experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

The conflict in the enclave, reeling from incessant Israeli bombing and blockade, began on Oct. 7 when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 3,300 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

• Organization of Islamic Cooperation