OIC Meeting Highlights Saudi Arabia's Call For Unity On Israeli Occupation Decisions

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji, representing Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, attended an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah. The session of the Open-Ended Executive Committee examined recent Israeli occupation decisions and Saudi Arabia’s support for a Two-State Solution and broader regional stability.

At the outset of the meeting, Waleed Elkhereiji expressed appreciation to the State of Palestine for initiating the gathering. He underlined that Saudi Arabia viewed joint Islamic coordination as essential. He said: "We meet today with our shared conviction that the policies and practices of the Israeli occupation authorities constitute the greatest threat to security and peace, and with our determination to confront this threat by coordinating our positions, developing mechanisms for cooperation among us, and strengthening our joint Islamic action.

Elkhereiji reiterated that the Kingdom backs the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, describing its role in aligning international positions. He highlighted the need to build political and economic backing, and to turn pledges into tangible steps that speed progress towards a Two-State Solution in line with agreed international references.

The vice foreign minister stated that Saudi Arabia would keep working with partner countries to secure a just and comprehensive peace. This approach aims to realise Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and an independent state. He noted that this vision aligns with the Arab Peace Initiative, which remains a key reference for resolving the conflict.

Elkhereiji pointed to the New York Declaration, the Comprehensive Peace Plan, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 as forming a coherent framework. He stressed backing for the Palestinian National Authority, including efforts to strengthen its institutions. He also underlined the need to maintain institutional and geographic links between Gaza and the West Bank, to protect the unity of Palestinian territory.

The Kingdom reaffirmed what it described as the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, especially the right to self-determination and the right of return. Saudi Arabia renewed its urgent appeal for full delivery of humanitarian and relief aid. Elkhereiji emphasised that such assistance should proceed in close coordination with existing international mechanisms and channels.

In his address, Waleed Elkhereiji also acknowledged international mediation efforts, stating the Kingdom’s appreciation "for the efforts led by President Donald Trump" in relation to the peace process. He said that coordination with the United States on implementing the comprehensive peace plan offered a serious chance to end the conflict and support regional integration and sustainable stability.

Turning to wider regional tensions, Elkhereiji said Saudi Arabia, as part of its commitment to peace and stability, rejects any breach of the sovereignty of Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states. He voiced concern over rising military confrontations and hostile rhetoric, and urged restraint, de-escalation, and the handling of disputes through diplomatic channels rather than further confrontation.

Elkhereiji closed his statement by stressing that durable security in the region depends on dialogue and diplomacy. He said lasting peace requires mutual respect, non-interference in states’ internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These principles, he noted, guide Saudi Arabia’s engagement within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its support for a Two-State Solution.

With inputs from SPA