In a pivotal role, His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs headed the Omani delegation at the extraordinary Arab Summit held in Riyadh. The summit, focused on the escalating crisis in Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories, brought together regional leaders to address the pressing humanitarian and geopolitical challenges stemming from the conflict.
At the summit, the Saudi Crown Prince unequivocally condemned the ongoing war in Gaza, emphasizing his country’s strong denouncement and rejection of the barbaric acts Palestinians are enduring. He laid blame on the UN Security Council for the continuation of the conflict and stressed the imperative for an immediate cessation of military operations. Furthermore, he urged the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the delivery of essential aid to the affected population.
The Secretary-General of the Arab League played a crucial role in framing the discourse, highlighting the gravity of the forced displacement of Palestinians as a war crime that demands global condemnation. He underlined the interconnectedness of Gaza’s future with the broader geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the integral role of the West Bank and East Jerusalem in any meaningful dialogue about the region’s prospects.
The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) brought a humanitarian perspective to the summit, characterizing the actions of the Israeli occupation in Gaza as ethnic cleansing and, consequently, a crime against humanity. His call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza was coupled with a plea for the establishment of safe corridors to ensure the efficient and secure delivery of aid to the distressed population.
The Palestinian President, speaking passionately, provided a firsthand account of the harrowing situation, declaring that his people are enduring a war of extermination at the hands of Israeli occupation forces. He painted a stark picture of the toll on the Palestinian population, citing staggering numbers of casualties and injuries, with over 40,000 Palestinians affected in the Gaza Strip alone.
The King of Jordan echoed the urgency of the situation, condemning the atrocities being committed against the people of Gaza. He emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and drew attention to critical shortages in food and fuel supplies in the strip. His call for the formation of a political coalition to halt the war, address displacement, and initiate a robust peace process resonated with the broader sentiment at the summit.
The Egyptian President, adding his voice to the collective appeal, warned of the potential expansion of the conflict if decisive action is not taken. He urged an international investigation into the violations of international law committed during the course of the conflict, seeking accountability for the egregious acts.
The summit, therefore, served as a critical platform for regional leaders to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause, condemn the ongoing violence, and collectively chart a path toward a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and a sustainable peace process. The complex geopolitical dynamics of the region were at the forefront, emphasizing the need for a unified and concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the Gaza crisis.
