DOHA: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders, joined by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have condemned Israel for “clear violations” of international law and called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. This was stated in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the 44th session of the GCC in Qatar on Tuesday.
According to the GCC statement, the leaders of the six nations condemned Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, “which have led to the forced displacement of the civilian population, and the destruction of civilian facilities and infrastructure, including schools, residential buildings, health facilities, and places of worship.”
The GCC leaders labeled Israeli actions as “clear violations of international law and international humanitarian law,” expressing dissatisfaction with the “blatant Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.”
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman was leading the Saudi delegation to the high-level summit in Doha. The representatives of the six Gulf nations were also joined by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The joint declaration called for the immediate resumption of a humanitarian truce in Gaza to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to its intended destinations. The GCC leaders pledged ongoing support for the Palestinian people and committed to aiding in the reconstruction of what was destroyed during Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip during the past years.
The leaders warned of the potential expansion of the conflict to other Middle Eastern regions, highlighting the dire consequences for regional populations and international peace and security. They urged the international community to intervene, establish a ceasefire, and protect civilians.
GCC Leaders Reiterate Support for Sovereignty of Palestinian People
Reiterating their demand for an end to the occupation of Palestine, the GCC leaders reiterated support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all occupied territories. The declaration commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts and its partnership with the Arab League, the European Union, Egypt, and Jordan to revive the peace process, aligning with international law, UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002.
Erdogan, addressing the summit, condemned Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing “war crimes against humanity.” He asserted that Netanyahu’s actions were endangering the future of the entire region for political gain.
Erdogan accused Netanyahu of jeopardizing the entire region for personal political gain and pledged Turkey’s support for Palestinians, condemning war crimes in Gaza.
The GCC’s primary objective is now to halt the war in Gaza, with ongoing mediation talks, according to Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. He stressed the unacceptability of preventing humanitarian aid from reaching the besieged strip.
Earlier, during his opening speech at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Doha, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, termed the ongoing Israeli military bombardment in the Palestinian territory as nothing short of genocide.
The Emir of Qatar described Israel’s occupation forces’ behavior as a flagrant violation of fundamental political, ethical, and humanitarian principles.
Sheikh Tamim expressed his dismay, stating, “This is a genocide committed by Israel. It is a disgrace upon the international community to allow this heinous crime to continue.” The Emir passionately decried the deliberate and systematic killing of innocent unarmed Palestinian civilians, emphasizing the severity and gravity of the crisis.
He went on to commend the resilience of the Palestinian people, praising their unwavering dedication to their cause despite the immense challenges they face. Sheikh Tamim stressed the urgent necessity for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire to halt the continuing violence and suffering in the region.
