Gulf summit calls for end to Israeli genocide in Gaza, expresses solidarity with Lebanon

By Ibrahim Khazen

KUWAIT (AA) - The 45th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit on Sunday called for an end to the ongoing Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip, which has persisted for over a year, and expressed solidarity with Lebanon.

This came in the summit’s declaration, delivered by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi during a press conference at the conclusion of the summit hosted by Kuwait.

Al-Budaiwi stated that the leaders, in the summit declaration, called for “a halt to the crimes of killing and collective punishment in Gaza, the displacement of residents, and the destruction of civilian facilities and infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, and places of worship, in clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”

The leaders welcomed “the resolutions of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2024, to enhance international action to stop the war on Gaza and achieve lasting and comprehensive peace and implement the two-state solution in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative."

They also commended the efforts of Qatar to find an agreement on the Gaza cease-fire and exchange of detainees.

The GCC leaders condemned “the continued Israeli aggression against Lebanon and warned against the dangers of its continuation and the expansion of the conflict, which would lead to dire consequences for the peoples of the region and for international peace and security.”

They welcomed the cease-fire agreement in Lebanon and looked forward to this “being a step towards stopping the war and Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territories, implementing Security Council Resolution 1701, and the return of displaced persons to their homes.”

The leaders commended the ongoing efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman with all Yemeni parties (the government and the Houthi group) “to revive the political process."

They reaffirmed the GCC's commitment to “a peaceful approach,” prioritizing “dialogue and diplomacy to resolve all disputes in the region and beyond, in accordance with the requirements of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, respecting the sovereignty of states, the integrity of their territories, their national unity, and their political independence, and refraining from the use or threat of force.”

They also called for "accelerating the establishment of unified digital markets to enhance regional economic integration and global competitiveness among GCC states."

The summit, chaired by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was attended by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Omani Deputy Prime Minister Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said.

The summit concluded with an agreement to hold the next meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala