Six Arab Nations Discuss Gaza Conflict And Ceasefire Efforts In Riyadh Meeting

In a significant diplomatic gathering in Riyadh, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, led a ministerial consultative meeting of the six-party Arab Committee. The focus of this high-level dialogue was on the pressing developments of the Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip. The meeting saw the participation of key regional figures, including Ayman Al-Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan; Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt; Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization; Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; and Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministers collectively underscored the urgent need to halt the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. They called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to ensure the safety and protection of civilians, aligning with international humanitarian law. The discussions also highlighted the critical necessity to lift all barriers obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.

Furthermore, there was a unanimous call from the attending ministers for global support towards recognizing an independent Palestinian state. This move aims to fulfill the long-standing aspirations of the Palestinian people. The ministers stressed on taking irreversible steps towards implementing the two-state solution, advocating for the recognition of Palestine within its 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as per international resolutions.

The importance of the Gaza Strip as an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory was emphasized, with a firm rejection against any efforts to displace Palestinians from their homeland or military operations in Rafah. The ministers also expressed grave concerns over ongoing illegal Israeli activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These actions, including settlement expansion, land confiscation, military operations against Palestinians, settler violence, and restrictions on religious freedoms for Muslims and Christians, were highlighted as significant obstacles to achieving peace based on a two-state solution.

This meeting underscores a collective regional stance on critical issues affecting peace and stability in the Middle East. The call for an immediate ceasefire and the emphasis on a two-state solution reflect a unified approach towards resolving long-standing conflicts in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.

With inputs from SPA