Arab Ministers In Riyadh Call For Immediate Gaza Ceasefire And Aid Access
In a significant diplomatic gathering held in Riyadh, key Arab ministers convened to address the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the facilitation of humanitarian aid. Chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the meeting saw the participation of influential figures including Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Dr. Ayman Hussein Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Sameh Shukri, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt; Hussein Al-Sheikh, Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs and Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Executive Committee; and Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The assembly underscored the critical need for protecting civilians in line with international humanitarian law and called for lifting all barriers impeding the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The ministers collectively voiced their support for efforts directed towards achieving international recognition of an independent Palestinian state, aiming to realize the aspirations of the Palestinian people. They highlighted the necessity of adopting irreversible measures to implement the two-state solution and recognize the State of Palestine within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as per relevant international resolutions.
Furthermore, the attendees expressed their firm rejection of any actions that would displace Palestinians or any military operations in Rafah. They issued a warning against ongoing illegal Israeli activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem that jeopardize the prospects of a two-state solution. This meeting represents a concerted effort by Arab nations to address and resolve the longstanding conflict in Gaza, emphasizing diplomacy and adherence to international norms for peace and stability in the region.
The Riyadh meeting is a testament to the Arab world's unified stance on Palestine, advocating for peace, justice, and sovereignty as fundamental principles guiding their diplomatic engagements. As these discussions continue to unfold, they serve as a crucial platform for voicing collective Arab positions on pivotal issues affecting peace and security in the Middle East.
With inputs from WAM
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