Cairo : Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo. The summit was held at the invitation of Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
In his speech, the Secretary General expressed appreciation to President El Sisi for hosting the summit and to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, President of the current Arab Summit session, for his efforts in convening the meeting to support the Palestinian cause. He described these efforts as a reflection of wisdom, responsibility, and commitment to the central issue of the Arab and Muslim world.
He emphasised that the GCC’s participation in the summit underscores its firm position in supporting Palestine, particularly amid the current serious developments. He highlighted the unprecedented escalation against Palestinians, describing it as a direct threat to regional and international security.
The Secretary General highlighted that the GCC countries have consistently worked with Arab partners to achieve just and lasting peace, presenting initiatives and mediation efforts to protect Palestinian rights and dignity. He stated that the issue is not the absence of solutions but rather the Israeli occupation’s refusal to accept justice and comply with international law.
He condemned calls to annex the occupied West Bank, forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, and expand settlements, describing them as violations of international law and Security Council resolutions, as well as attempts to impose a new reality by force and obstruct peace efforts.
Reaffirming that Palestinian rights remain intact, he emphasised that a just and lasting peace requires reason, coexistence, and adherence to the Arab Peace Initiative. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in launching the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, based on an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also referenced Bahrain’s Arab Summit initiatives calling for an international peace conference and full UN membership for Palestine.
The Secretary General expressed the GCC’s support for the Arab Summit’s proposal to deploy UN peacekeeping forces in the occupied Palestinian territories until the two-state solution is implemented, ensuring Palestinian protection.
He concluded by emphasising the urgent need to lift the Gaza blockade, open all crossings without conditions, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies. He also called for the continued operation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to meet the essential needs of the Palestinian people.
