Riyadh Summit: OIC Secretary-General stresses the necessity of ending the Israeli aggression on Palestine and Lebanon

RIYADH: The Arab and Islamic Summit convened in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

The summit gathered leaders, heads of government, and heads of delegation from the member states of both the OIC and the League of Arab States.

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha highlighted the significance of the gracious invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister to this pivotal summit and their role in facilitating its proceedings.

He indicated that this gathering serves as a reaffirmation of commitment and support for the Palestinian cause and the preservation of the sanctity of Al-Quds Ash-Sharif.

The Secretary-General highlighted that the current Summit was convened in response to the ongoing acts of military aggression and genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation in both Palestine and Lebanon.

He said that these actions actively threaten the operational integrity of the UNRWA and exacerbate the Palestinian refugee crisis besides there are deliberate efforts to displace the Palestinian population and escalate tensions across the region, potentially leading to a broader conflict.

“Such conduct represents a clear violation of international law and pertinent United Nations resolutions.”

He emphasized the urgent need for the enforcement of Security Council Resolution 2735, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the provision of comprehensive and sustainable humanitarian assistance across the Gaza Strip.

He called for the withdrawal of Israeli occupying forces and the reinstatement of the Palestinian government’s authority to fulfill its responsibilities within the territory.

The Secretary-General commended the endeavors of the Joint Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee regarding the Palestinian issue, underlining the necessity of sustaining its initiatives in the international arena to halt the ongoing aggression, occupation, and unlawful Israeli settlements.

He emphasized the importance of providing international protection for the Palestinian people, enhancing global recognition of the State of Palestine, and its aspiration for full United Nations membership.

OIC’s secretary general advocated for the implementation of the two-state solution, which envisions the establishment of an independent State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Al-Quds as its capital. “This call for action aligns with pertinent United Nations resolutions, particularly the recent General Assembly resolution concerning the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, as well as the principles outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative,” he said.

Hissein Ibrahim Taha emphasized the critical importance of maintaining Lebanon’s unity, security, and stability as well as reaffirming the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over its internationally recognized territories and borders.

He urged for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and advocated for the establishment of enduring stability in Lebanon through the full enforcement of Security Council resolutions, prominently including Resolution 1701.