Hyderabad, June 17 -- The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has warned against what it described as Israeli measures aimed at altering the political, historical and legal status of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, following a decision that removes municipal authority over key parts of the city.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 16, the OIC General Secretariat expressed concern over a move announced by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that strips Hebron Municipality of its powers over the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City and surrounding areas. The organisation also criticised efforts affecting the Hebron Agreement, saying such measures threaten the status of Hebron and its holy sites.

The OIC reiterated that Israel, a...