GCC Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon
In a significant move, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers have unanimously called for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the escalating violence that poses a grave threat to regional and global peace. The call was made during the 45th extraordinary ministerial meeting held in Doha, where the ministers issued a final statement condemning the ongoing conflicts in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon.
The GCC ministers highlighted the serious repercussions of the current hostilities, urging for immediate action to protect the security of the region and prevent further escalation into a wider conflict. They reiterated the importance of adhering to Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement, which are crucial for restoring stability and sovereignty in Lebanon. The ministers also stressed the necessity of a diplomatic resolution to avoid the risks of a regional war, following a previous statement from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and the United States advocating for a 21-day ceasefire along the Blue Line separating Lebanon’s southern border.
Support for Palestinian Rights and Humanitarian Aid
In addition to addressing the situation in Lebanon, the GCC Ministerial Council condemned the violence against civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, expressing strong support for efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the region. The final statement called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, the release of hostages, and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
The GCC reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian issue, advocating for an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This comprehensive approach aims not only to address the immediate humanitarian crisis but also to lay the groundwork for long-term peace and stability in the region.
