Gulf leaders call for ceasefire in Gaza, reiterates support for Palestine during 44th GCC Summit

GCC leaders stressed the importance of continuing mediation efforts in Gaza to reach a complete and sustainable ceasefire and ensure safe corridors for aid movement during the 44th Session of GCC Supreme Council, held in Doha on Tuesday.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said Gulf leaders had stressed the need for the political process, leading to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Palestinians.

Sheikh Mohammed, speaking at a joint Press conference with GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, said the leaders discussed numerous regional and international issues, the war in Gaza and crimes committed by the occupation forces.

“Qatar is making efforts for a ceasefire, release of hostages and prisoners, and prisoners swap. We’re continuing to coordinate with our partners in Egypt and the US in this regard. The issue of humanitarian truce and the release of prisoners and hostages is a priority, but it’s important to ensure a lasting ceasefire in order to reach a political solution,” he said.

“The Ministerial Committee assigned by the Arab-Islamic Summit is also working actively for addressing the Gaza issue. It made several visits and the latest one is its participation in the UN Security Council meeting,” he added.

He said the GCC summit was held at a time when the region was going through a tumultuous phase, especially with the Israeli aggression in Gaza. 

Al Budaiwi said that the summit affirmed GCC countries’ clear position on the current situation in Gaza.

“GCC countries enjoy great credibility at the regional and international levels. What Qatar did to help the Palestinians in Gaza is notable and appreciated,” said Al Budaiwi.

Meanwhile, GCC’s Supreme Council issued the 44th Gulf Summit’s concluding statement, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemning the aggression against Gaza.

They urged the international community to halt the war in Gaza and praised Qatar’s efforts, in partnership with Egypt and the USA, in bringing about a humanitarian pause, helping release detainees, and allowing in more humanitarian aid convoys, including fuel for essential needs.

The Council welcomed the participation of Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the meeting. The leaders agreed on the significance of implementing joint action plans, expanding their scope, and strengthening their partnership.

The Supreme Council extended its wishes to Qatar on the opening of ‘Expo 2023 Doha.’ It wished Qatar success in hosting the event to provide innovative solutions to combat desertification, support agriculture, promote environmental awareness, and ensure the sustainability of desert regions.

The Supreme Council also condemned the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

It said it stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people during the current developments in Gaza and its surroundings, demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and Israeli military operations.

It also called for ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, basic necessities, restoring electricity and water supplies, permitting fuel, food, and medicine to enter Gaza, urging international organizations to participate in these efforts.

It called for ending the illegal Israeli blockade, which violates UN Security Council Resolution 2417, condemning the illegal prevention of humanitarian aid and the use of civilian starvation as a method of combat, prohibited by international humanitarian law.

The Council called upon all parties in the conflict to protect civilians, refrain from targeting them, and abide by international law and humanitarian law, urging the release of civilian hostages and detainees, particularly women, children, the sick, and the elderly.

The Supreme Council also rejected any justifications or excuses to describe the Israeli aggression on Gaza as self-defense, urging the international community to take necessary actions in response to Israel’s illegal practices and its policy of collective punishment against the isolated Gaza population.

It also supported the Palestinian people’s steadfastness on their land and rejected Israeli actions aimed at displacing or expelling Gaza residents.

The Council condemned the continuous targeting by the Israeli occupation of civilian infrastructure and facilities in Gaza, including hospitals, ambulances, medical teams, refugee camps, and schools.

It also denounced the Israeli targeting of the Qatar Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza and international facilities, as part of a series of Israeli violations against all international laws and norms.

The Council commended Qatar’s continued coordination of international efforts in Afghanistan and facilitating dialogue between the United Nations and concerned nations and the Afghan de facto authority to ensure adherence to the Doha Agreement.