Regional Leaders Gather for Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, called for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon at a joint Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit, renewing calls for a Palestinian state.
Background and Context
The summit took place more than a year into the Israel-Hamas war and regional escalation. Arab and Muslim leaders gathered in Riyadh to send a message to US president-elect Donald Trump. The meeting aimed to address the devastating humanitarian consequences of the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon.
Key Remarks and Calls to Action
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the international community must "immediately halt the Israeli actions against our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon", condemning Israel’s campaign in Gaza as "genocide". He also stated that Saudi Arabia affirms its support for the Palestinian people, stressing their right to freedom and an independent, sovereign state.
In response to the summit, newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the idea of establishing a Palestinian state, calling it a "Hamas state".
Regional Dynamics and US Involvement
The Saudi foreign ministry announced plans for the summit in late October, during a meeting of a new "international alliance" to press for the establishment of a Palestinian state. The move comes after a similar gathering in Riyadh last year, where leaders condemned Israeli forces’ actions in Gaza as "barbaric".
Anna Jacobs, senior Gulf analyst for the International Crisis Group think tank, highlighted the significance of the summit, saying it is an opportunity for regional leaders to signal to the incoming Trump administration what they want in terms of US engagement.
Historical Context and US-Israel Relations
The war in Gaza began with Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed more than 43,600 people in Gaza, most of them civilians.
Despite criticism of the impact Israel’s military campaign has had on Gaza civilians, outgoing US President Joe Biden ensured that Washington remained Israel’s most important military backer during more than a year of fighting. In his first term, Trump’s actions showed him as an even firmer supporter of Israel, recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving Washington’s embassy there.
Conclusion
The summit serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region and the need for a lasting solution. Saudi Arabia’s call for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as its reaffirmation of support for a Palestinian state, highlights the importance of regional leadership in addressing these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit?
A: The summit aims to address the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as renew calls for a Palestinian state.
Q: What was the outcome of the previous summit held in Riyadh?
A: The previous summit saw disagreement on measures like severing economic and diplomatic ties with Israel and disrupting its oil supplies.
Q: How has the US been involved in the conflict?
A: The US has been a key supporter of Israel, providing military aid and backing its actions in the region. However, regional leaders are hoping to signal to the incoming Trump administration a desire for a different approach.