Diplomats Seek Immediate Gaza Ceasefire At Riyadh Ministerial Meeting

In a significant diplomatic gathering, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, led the Six-Party Consultative Ministerial Meeting alongside the United States. This pivotal conference saw the participation of key figures including Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukri, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein Al-Sheikh; and the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The primary focus of this high-level meeting was the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and the evolving situation in the region. A unanimous call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to halt the conflict was a key outcome, emphasizing the need to protect civilians in line with International Humanitarian Law. The discussions also covered strategies to ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid across all areas of the Gaza Strip, aiming to mitigate the escalating humanitarian crisis.

Another critical aspect of the dialogue was the concerted efforts by the Arab Six-Party countries towards securing international recognition for an independent Palestinian state. This initiative seeks to realize the Palestinian people's aspirations for sovereignty, based on established borders. The importance of taking definitive steps towards implementing a two-state solution, consistent with relevant international resolutions, was underscored as a priority.

Noteworthy attendees included Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Ambassador Dr. Saud Al-Sati, Advisor to the Ministry Dr. Manal Radwan, and Director of the Arab Levant Department Mohammed Al-Harbi. The meeting underscored a unified stance on pressing Middle Eastern issues, highlighting a collective commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The gathering not only addressed immediate concerns but also set a framework for future diplomatic engagements aimed at resolving long-standing regional conflicts. The emphasis on humanitarian aid and support for Palestinian statehood reflects a broader strategy to address root causes of instability and foster a lasting peace in the Middle East.

With inputs from SPA