A ministerial committee appointed by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza recently met with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres in New York. Led by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the committee commended Guterres for his efforts to protect civilians and provide humanitarian aid during the crisis in Palestine. The meeting, held during the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Week, aimed to strengthen Arab and Islamic efforts to support the recognition of a Palestinian state and uphold the rights of its people.
The committee addressed the escalating military actions in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces against unarmed civilians. Arab and Islamic countries united in denouncing these aggressive actions and called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians according to international humanitarian laws. The importance of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in providing humanitarian aid was emphasized, alongside the need to counter efforts to undermine the agency’s role. The members also highlighted the necessity of supporting UNRWA to ensure aid reaches those in need.
In addition to condemning Israeli violations against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, the committee stressed the urgency of holding Israel accountable for these actions. They called for secure relief corridors to deliver essential humanitarian aid, protesting any restrictions hindering the timely and safe entry of aid into Gaza. The ministerial committee rejected all forced displacement strategies employed by Israel, emphasizing the adherence to international laws and humanitarian principles to combat such initiatives.
Representatives from various Arab and Islamic countries, including Qatar, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, Turkey, Indonesia, and the Arab League, joined the meeting to advocate for the rights and security of Palestinians. The committee reaffirmed rejection of all forms of displacement and committed to addressing these issues at both regional and international levels. The session underscored the collective support for humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza and the necessity of upholding the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people.
Overall, the ministerial committee’s meeting with UN Secretary General António Guterres in New York highlighted the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip and the urgent need for immediate and comprehensive actions to protect Palestinian civilians and provide humanitarian assistance. Arab and Islamic countries expressed solidarity in denouncing Israeli aggression and called for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian laws. The importance of supporting UNRWA and ensuring secure delivery of aid to Gaza was emphasized, along with a rejection of forced displacement operations by the Israeli occupation. As the global community continues to address the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, the joint efforts of Arab and Islamic countries in advocating for Palestinian rights remain crucial.
