Riyadh Summit Demands Ceasefire and Arms Embargo on Israel
In a significant gathering of leaders from Arab and Islamic nations, the recent summit held in Riyadh called for urgent action to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. The summit, chaired by Saudi Arabia, urged the United Nations Security Council to pass a binding resolution for a ceasefire and to impose a ban on arms exports to Israel. Leaders condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, describing them as genocidal, and emphasized that peace cannot be achieved without Israel's withdrawal to the pre-1967 borders. This resolution reflects a unified stance among approximately 50 participating leaders, including those from Egypt, Turkey, and Lebanon, who denounced the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Lebanon
The final statement from the summit highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, with reports indicating over 146,000 Palestinian casualties since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. The leaders pointed to mass graves and widespread atrocities, calling for immediate humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan announced the formation of a tripartite committee involving the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union to pursue diplomatic efforts aimed at halting the violence. The summit also called for international protection for the Palestinian people and reaffirmed the sovereignty of Palestine over East Jerusalem.
Calls for International Support and Political Unity
During the summit, various leaders voiced their support for the Palestinian Authority's request for full UN membership. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan advocated for an arms embargo on Israel, while Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas urged the world to reassess their relations with Israel in light of its ongoing military actions. The summit emphasized the need for political and diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause and called for efforts to achieve Palestinian national unity. The leaders underscored that any peace negotiations must include the establishment of a Palestinian state and the end of Israeli occupation in accordance with international law.
