GCC Ministerial Meeting held in Riyadh / Arab News
Riyadh: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened its 159th ministerial session in Riyadh on Sunday. Alongside, separate discussions unfolded featuring the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry conveyed deep apprehensions about the situation in Gaza, characterizing it as a deliberate effort to undermine the Palestinian cause. He cautioned against relying solely on security-centric approaches.
“Security solutions to the conflict have brought nothing but destruction to the region, and the escalation in Gaza extended to the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab", Shoukry said.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi resolutely reaffirmed the collective stance of GCC nations, condemning Israeli violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. Al-Budaiwi emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and reiterated the GCC's support for Egypt's rights regarding Nile waters while urging progress on the Renaissance Dam issue.
The core outcome of Sunday's discussions was a unanimous call from the GCC foreign ministers for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza. They stressed the imperative of facilitating aid delivery to the Palestinian populace and advocated for international protection for civilians.
During the closing statement, the ministers urged the international community to take decisive action to implement a ceasefire and safeguard civilian lives. They emphasized the necessity of adhering to international legal frameworks to counter Israeli actions and prevent collective punishment of Gaza's inhabitants.
Acknowledging the efforts of various countries and organizations to halt the Israeli assault, the ministers expressed disappointment at the UN Security Council's failure to pass a ceasefire resolution proposed by Algeria on behalf of Arab nations. Despite this setback, the GCC ministers remained committed to pursuing avenues for peace and stability in the region.
Against the backdrop of escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns, the GCC ministerial session in Riyadh underscored the organization's steadfast commitment to addressing pressing regional issues and advocating for the rights and welfare of all affected parties.