RIYADH: Arab and Islamic leaders will convene in Riyadh for the Arab-Islamic summit scheduled for Monday, focusing on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
On Sunday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan chaired the preparatory ministerial meeting, where officials reviewed the latest developments and outlined the summit’s agenda.
“The escalating violence in the Palestinian and Lebanese territories, including the brutal Israeli aggression, has compelled Arab and Islamic leaders to take urgent action,” read a statement on SPA.
HIGHLIGHT
On the sidelines of the preparatory meeting, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the efforts being made to address them.
Key priorities are halting the aggression, protecting civilians, supporting Palestinians and Lebanese, unifying positions, and pressuring the international community to end the attacks and establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
The summit builds on the earlier Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on Nov. 11, 2023, following the directives of King Salman and complementing the efforts of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address the dangerous and unprecedented developments in Gaza and the rest of Palestine.
“This requires solidarity among Arab and Islamic nations to confront these challenges and mitigate their consequences,” SPA added.
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Palestine, along with the secretaries-general of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, aim to initiate immediate international action to halt the war on Gaza and achieve a lasting, comprehensive peace.
On the sidelines of the preparatory meeting, Prince Faisal held talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the efforts being made to address them.
The ministerial committee formed at the last Arab-Islamic summit has initiated diplomatic efforts with world leaders to secure an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians, and restore essential services in Gaza.
In meetings throughout the year, committee members stressed the urgent need to halt Israeli military actions displacing Palestinians and destroying infrastructure and called for safe corridors to deliver humanitarian aid.
The committee members condemned Israel’s violations of international law, including restricting access to water, electricity, and movement.
They reaffirmed support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
They also urged a revival of the peace process for a just and lasting resolution, calling on the international community to hold Israel accountable for these violations.
The Saudi state news channel Al-Ekhbariya broadcast footage on Sunday of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati landing in Riyadh.
