GCC Secretary-General Stresses Need For Independent Palestinian State To Achieve Lasting Peace

Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that a fair peace can only be achieved by establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. His comments were made during the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

Albudaiwi expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its leadership in launching the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. He also thanked France for co-chairing the high-level ministerial conference. "These joint efforts have revived hope and affirmed that responsible leadership can turn principles into reality, and that when the world unites, it can draw a new dawn for peace," he noted.

The GCC Secretary-General praised countries that have recently recognized Palestine, emphasizing that "the Palestinian right does not await a decision from the occupation, but an acknowledgment from the international community." He urged other nations to follow this example, so recognizing Palestine becomes a historical testament to justice and international legitimacy.

Albudaiwi highlighted that holding the conference under UN sponsorship sends a clear message: "rights are not erased, justice is not postponed, and freedom is not bought." He stressed that the Palestinian issue is not just regional but a global humanitarian concern testing international commitment to justice.

The GCC's stance remains firm on resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. This initiative provides a strategic roadmap for comprehensive peace based on "full withdrawal for full peace," paving the way for normal relations with Israel after ending occupation.

He emphasized that any peace built on land affected by illegal settlements is fragile and unsustainable. The continuation of violations against Palestinians perpetuates injustice and despair. Stopping these practices is crucial for creating an environment conducive to serious negotiations under international sponsorship.

A Vision for Lasting Peace

Albudaiwi reiterated that the Palestinian cause remains central to Arab and Islamic worlds as it concerns existence, identity, and human dignity. He stated that "justice may sometimes be obscured by politics, but history is unforgiving to those who delay in aiding the oppressed."

He concluded by asserting that an independent Palestinian state will eventually emerge where its flag will fly alongside others. Children will sing songs of freedom instead of exile. A just peace is not merely political; it is a human destiny driven by justice and sought by global conscience.

With inputs from SPA