- The GCC strongly condemned Israel’s aid blockade on Gaza, calling it a violation of international law.
- The council urged global action to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the enclave.
- The GCC rejected any forced displacement of Gaza residents as illegal.
- Leaders reaffirmed their support for Palestinian sovereignty and a two-state solution.
The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has condemned Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The council also rejected any attempt to forcibly displace the enclave’s residents. The announcement came in a final statement after the GCC’s 163rd Ministerial Council session in Mecca on Thursday.
The statement, published on the GCC’s official website, asserted solidarity with the Palestinian people. It described the aid blockade as a “serious violation of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention.” The council urged the global community to intervene to stop “grave Israeli violations” and activate accountability mechanisms.
The GCC called for an immediate halt to Israeli military actions in Gaza. The statement reiterated the need to respect the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The council reaffirmed its support for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It also backed international efforts to achieve a long-term solution to the conflict. The GCC expressed support for the outcomes of the recent Extraordinary Arab Summit in Egypt, which also focused on the Palestinian issue.
Meeting of GCC Foreign Ministers
The ministerial session was chaired by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Abdullah bin Ali Al Yahya. High-level representatives from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar participated, along with GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi.
Discussions covered several key regional and international issues. The ministers reviewed progress on free trade negotiations between the GCC and various global partners. They also discussed enhancing cooperation in political, economic, and security matters.
Regional Security and Unity
The meeting addressed security concerns in the Gulf region, emphasizing the importance of coordination and stability. Officials stressed the unity of GCC nations in confronting challenges and maintaining regional peace.
The statement reinforced the GCC’s commitment to Palestinian rights and called for urgent international action. It also highlighted the importance of collective efforts in implementing decisions from past Arab summits.
The GCC’s firm stance on the Gaza crisis underscores its ongoing commitment to Palestinian sovereignty and human rights. With tensions escalating, the council’s call for international accountability and humanitarian access remains critical. The response from the global community will determine the future course of the crisis.