On Tuesday, 4 Ṣafar 1447 AH, corresponding to 29 July 2025 , His Excellency Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, received His Excellency Ambassador Hadi Shibli, Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, accompanied by Deputy Permanent Representative, His Excellency Counsellor Naseem Al-Za’anin, at the Academy’s headquarters in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the outset of the meeting, His Excellency expressed his profound appreciation for the recent Palestine Conference held in New York City, describing it as a vital international platform for highlighting the suffering of the Palestinian people and exposing the ongoing violations of international law committed by the Israeli occupation.

His Excellency commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its commendable efforts in ensuring the timely convening of this significant conference, reaffirming the Kingdom’s historic and unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, which remains the foremost concern in the hearts of all Muslims and free people around the world. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the wise leadership of the Kingdom for the conference’s resounding success and its profound impact on reshaping global public opinion regarding the Palestinian issue.

His Excellency also expressed reservations about the use of the term “humanitarian aid,” noting that it misleadingly implies a normal and natural situation in Palestine. He emphasized that the current conditions are neither normal nor divinely ordained, but rather artificially imposed and perpetuated by the brutal occupation. He stressed the urgent need for a just and immediate resolution, including lifting the unjust blockade imposed on Palestine, particularly on the Gaza Strip, and enabling Palestinians—especially children, women, and the elderly—to live with dignity befitting the honoured status of human beings.

Furthermore, His Excellency affirmed that the Academy continues to highlight the Palestinian cause through the issuance of official statements and scholarly resolutions in support of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights. He also referenced his recent participation in international forums, including his address earlier this month at the British House of Lords, where he emphasized that the free world—including the British people—rejects the crimes committed against Palestinians. He affirmed that the acts of starvation and killing of civilians, particularly children, women, and the elderly, perpetrated by the occupying Zionist entity, do not represent the Jewish faith, which prohibits bloodshed, violation of honour, and destruction of property—all of which are condemned in the Torah and constitute extremism. Extremism, he noted, has no religion, colour, or ethnicity.

In conclusion, His Excellency reiterated the Academy’s readiness to adopt and support practical initiatives and proposals presented by the Permanent Mission of the State of Palestine to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in defence of Palestinian rights and in support of their steadfastness.

For his part, His Excellency Ambassador Hadi Shibli expressed his sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the Secretary General for the warm reception and generous hospitality. He praised the Academy’s efforts, and in particular those of His Excellency, in supporting and defending the Palestinian cause. He also commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s steadfast and principled positions, noting that the New York Conference stands as clear and compelling evidence of Saudi support for Palestine. His Excellency further lauded the statement issued by the Academy’s Council at the conclusion of its 26th session held in Doha in May 2025.

He emphasized the importance of international conferences in keeping the Palestinian cause alive in the minds of peoples and decision-makers, and called for concrete steps to strengthen the Islamic identity in Palestinian territories and facilitate Muslim visits to Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque under the supervision of the Palestinian government.

His Excellency also called for the activation of the obligation of zakat across the Islamic world to support Palestine, noting that the financial restrictions imposed by Israel constitute a suffocating blockade on Palestinian resources, despite the State of Palestine’s adherence to principles of justice and its respect for all religions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Excellency noted that Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash, Religious Affairs Advisor to the President of Palestine and Chief Justice of Palestine, will coordinate with the Secretary General regarding practical initiatives aimed at enhancing the Academy’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause and strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian people.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Hassan Kumait, Director of Seminars and Conferences, and Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Head of International Cooperation at the Academy.