Muslim Bloc Condemns Israel's 'War Crimes' in Gaza

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Tuesday condemned "war crimes" by Israel in Gaza and urged a meeting of donors on financing reconstruction in the enclave devastated by a month-long war.

In a statement after a ministerial meeting, the second on Gaza in three days, the OIC said that "in the liveliest terms" the meeting condemned Israel, "the occupying force, for war crimes it doesn't stop committing in the Palestinian territories."

"Israel should immediately cease its aggression against the Palestinian people and shoulder political and legal responsibility for war crimes," the statement said.

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal said in a speech to the meeting: "Israel should realize that peace is the only option to survive."

The OIC also proposed a meeting of donors on the reconstruction of Gaza, where the war has caused $4 billion to $6 billion of damage, according to the Palestinian economy ministry.

A Palestinian official said on Tuesday that Egypt has offered to host a conference of Gaza donors.

"The Egyptians proposed a few days ago to stage a donors conference" at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, said the official, who asked not to be named.

The OIC praised Saudi Arabia for supplying medical aid worth 300 million riyals (about $80 million), as well as a commitment to provide $500 million towards reconstruction in Gaza.