GCC Urges Immediate Action To Reduce Middle East Tensions After Key Meeting

In a significant development amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened its 44th extraordinary meeting. This crucial gathering took place at the Qatari Embassy in Tashkent, alongside the joint ministerial meeting between GCC and Central Asian countries. The session, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, saw key figures such as Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Yahya, and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in attendance.

The ministers engaged in discussions focused on enhancing coordination and collective action to address the recent surge in military activities within the region. The council voiced its grave concerns regarding these developments, highlighting their detrimental effects on regional security and stability. A unanimous call was made for an immediate de-escalation to safeguard the region's peace and for all involved parties to adopt diplomatic solutions and exercise maximum restraint.

Furthermore, the council urged the UN Security Council to actively fulfill its role in preserving international peace, particularly in this volatile region crucial to global security. The emphasis was placed on preventing any further deterioration of the situation that could lead to severe global repercussions.

Addressing the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, the GCC demanded an immediate halt to military operations and stressed the importance of ensuring access to humanitarian aid and essential services for Gaza's residents. The council's statement underscored the broader implications of continued aggression on regional security and called for international intervention to facilitate an immediate ceasefire.

The GCC also highlighted the need to cease violence against Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including Jerusalem and its sacred Islamic sites. It condemned settlement activities, land confiscation, and forced displacement of Palestinians. Advocating for a comprehensive dialogue, the council proposed an international conference aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue through the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, aligning with UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

With inputs from SPA