The leaders of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a joint statement at the end of a summit held in Riyadh on Saturday 11, November. From describing Israel’s actions as “war crimes” to calling for the two-state solution to be put into practice, they were keen to present a united front in this declaration.
Arab leaders and the Iranian president met in Saudi Arabia on Saturday for a joint summit that is expected to underline the urgency of bringing an end to the war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement, Hamas, in the Gaza Strip, a conflict that risks setting the region ablaze.
The emergency meetings of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were held in Riyadh, five weeks after the start of the war that was triggered by the bloody attack on Israeli soil by the Palestinian Islamist movement, Hamas, on October 7.
The countries concerned began by calling on the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to conduct a thorough investigation into Israel’s use of chemical weapons, in particular white phosphorus. They also condemned the indiscriminate targeting of children, women, journalists and rescue workers in the conflict.
The collective appeal underlined the immediate need to stop the abuses by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, as well as the export of weapons to be used by the Israeli army against the Palestinian people.
The leaders attending the summit refused to characterise the Israeli response as self-defence while describing it as a “mass war crime.” The summit underlined the fact that regional peace cannot be achieved without resolving the Palestinian question.
The appeal stresses the need for a resolution based on a two-state solution as the only way to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace that can ensure security and stability in the region.
The summit participants categorically rejected any attempt at forced displacement in Gaza, the West Bank, or Jerusalem. They also considered the release of all prisoners, detainees and civilians as a necessity for any progress towards peace.
Moreover, they agreed on the need to put pressure on the UN Security Council to make a conclusive and binding decision to halt the Israeli aggression and curb settlement activity. Support was also promised to Egypt in its efforts to deal with the consequences of Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip.
Finally, the leaders taking part in the summit reiterated together their demand for the siege of Gaza to be lifted and for the entry of humanitarian, food, medical and energy aid to be facilitated. They condemned in unison the Israeli campaign against the Gaza Strip.
