Leaders convening in Saudi Arabia have insisted on the imperative need for humanitarian assistance to be permitted into Gaza, while simultaneously urging for a halt in the exportation of arms to Israel.
Saudi Arabia hosted an Arab-Islamic summit that demanded an immediate cessation of the conflict in Gaza and denounced Israel’s use of self-defense as a pretext for its actions against Palestinians. The summit’s concluding statement condemned the “barbaric and inhumane massacres” committed by the Israeli government and labeled them as war crimes.
The meeting in Riyadh resulted in a call for an immediate cessation of the siege on Gaza, along with the urgent need to permit humanitarian aid into the enclave and put a stop to arms exports to Israel. The leaders emphasized the importance of the UN Security Council adopting a resolute and obligatory resolution to put an end to Israel’s perceived aggression in Gaza.
Initially, the gathering was intended for the 22 members of the Arab League. Still, it was subsequently broadened to include the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which consists of 57 predominantly Muslim-majority states, including the Arab League nations.
Hashem Ahelbarra, a correspondent for Al Jazeera, emphasized the futility of the summit’s outcomes without a collective agreement among the attendees. According to Ahelbarra, it is evident that the Israeli authorities show little concern for the discussions between the leaders of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League. Upon examining the summit’s communique, one can discern the lack of a cohesive strategy to enforce a ceasefire and establish a humanitarian corridor, thereby highlighting the challenges faced by Arab and Muslim leaders in this regard.
The purpose of this summit was merely to create an appearance of unity within the Arab and Muslim world. The statement made during the summit was diluted and lacked substance. Due to significant differences and divisions among the key participants, not all Arab leaders chose to attend. This is why they opted for a vaguely worded statement that could be easily consumed by the public.
what said, Mohammad Bin Salman?
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) urged for an urgent halt to military activities in Gaza and the liberation of all hostages and detainees in his introductory statement. He expressed his concern over the humanitarian crisis, which he believes demonstrates the international community and the UN Security Council’s inability to put an end to Israel’s blatant disregard for international humanitarian laws and the world’s double standards.
MBS emphasized that the key to achieving peace lies in ending the Israeli occupation and illegal settlements, restoring the rights of the Palestinian people, and establishing a state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The priority in Gaza lies not in temporary breaks for a limited duration, but rather in the necessity of a lasting cessation of hostilities,” he stated. “It is crucial to differentiate between Hamas fighters defending their homeland and the occupying forces.”
what said Palestinian authority?
Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, has drawn attention to the fact that Israeli forces have increased their raids in the occupied West Bank, in addition to Gaza. He has urged the United States to intervene and put an end to Israel’s aggression, occupation, violation, and desecration of holy sites. Abbas has also stated that military and security solutions have failed and that any attempts to displace Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank will be rejected.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, has questioned how long the international community will continue to treat Israel as if it is above international law.
A unified collective position
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has stated that the joint meeting of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is being convened in light of the extraordinary situation unfolding in the Gaza Strip. This meeting aims to foster collaboration and establish a cohesive stance among nations in addressing the current challenges. Notably, the OIC comprises member states from various Islamic nations, including neighboring countries of the Palestinian territories such as Egypt and Jordan, as well as Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq.
Sources from Aljazeera.
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