Saudi Foreign Minister Urges Action Against Israeli Aggression At OIC Session

In a significant diplomatic gathering, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah represented Saudi Arabia at the extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah. The session's agenda was centered around addressing the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. The minister underscored the urgency for the international community and the UN Security Council to intervene to halt these aggressions, highlighting the critical need for civilian protection, lifting the siege on Gaza Strip, and ensuring continuous access to humanitarian aid.

Prince Faisal voiced deep concern over the potential expansion of military operations towards Rafah, emphasizing that such moves would only escalate the suffering of civilians in Gaza. He reiterated the Islamic countries' firm stance against the forced displacement of Palestinians and stressed on facilitating the immediate and safe return of displaced civilians to their homes.

The Kingdom has been proactive in its diplomatic efforts, engaging in direct communications with nations globally and through its role in the ministerial committee from the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit. These efforts aim to galvanize international action to cease hostilities, protect innocent lives, and prevent forced displacements. "We have noticed a positive development in some countries' positions and an increased call for an immediate ceasefire," Prince Faisal remarked, highlighting a growing international consensus towards recognizing the State of Palestine.

Furthermore, Prince Faisal addressed the critical issue of funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), stating that withholding support at this juncture would only worsen the plight of civilians in Gaza. He affirmed Saudi Arabia's continued backing for UNRWA and called on other nations to resume their support to ensure Palestinians have access to essential services amidst this humanitarian crisis.

In his concluding remarks, Prince Faisal emphasized the necessity of ending Palestinian suffering and paving a credible path towards establishing a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This vision aligns with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions. The session also saw participation from Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin AbdulKarim El-Khereiji and Permanent Representative to the OIC Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani, underscoring Saudi Arabia's commitment to this cause.

With inputs from SPA