The resolution warned of the expansion of the aggression on the Gaza Strip, now extending to Lebanon, and the violation of the sovereignty of Iraq, Syria, and Iran….reports Asian Lite News
A resolution passed at an Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh has warned of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its potential regional and global consequences.
The resolution, published on Monday in full, also warned of the expansion of the aggression on the Gaza Strip, now extending to Lebanon, and the violation of the sovereignty of Iraq, Syria, and Iran.
It expressed support for Egypt and Qatar’s efforts, in collaboration with the US, to secure an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages and prisoners. The resolution held Israel accountable for the failure of these efforts due to its government’s withdrawal from the agreements reached by the negotiators, Xinhua news agency reported.
The resolution urged the international community to take effective action to compel Israel to adhere to international law, condemning the double standards in the application of international law, humanitarian law, and the United Nations Charter.
The summit reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause, affirming its steadfast support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for their legitimate and inalienable rights, including the right to freedom and an independent state based on the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The statement also upheld the right of Palestinian refugees to return and receive compensation according to international law.
The summit stressed Palestine’s complete sovereignty over East Jerusalem, condemning any Israeli decisions or actions aimed at Judaising the city and solidifying its colonial occupation. According to international law and United Nations resolutions, such actions were labelled as illegal.
The statement also condemned Israel’s ongoing brutal aggression on Gaza and Lebanon, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and efforts to end the catastrophic humanitarian consequences on civilians — especially children, women, the elderly, and unarmed civilians.
The summit followed the first meeting held in November 2023, focusing on the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories and Lebanon, as well as current regional developments.
Xxx
MBS meets Iran, Palestine leaders
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met with Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and several topics of mutual interest.
The meeting was attended by Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, several Saudi officials, and the accompanying delegation of the Iranian first vice president.
The crown prince had also met Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit.
They discussed the topics on the summit agenda, developments in Palestine, and the efforts exerted in this regard.
Attending the meeting were Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz; Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz; Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban; and the delegation accompanying the Palestinian president.
Senior Saudi military officer visits Iran
General Chief of Staff Fayyad al-Ruwaili of the Saudi armed forces held talks with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran, marking a significant step in defence ties between the two regional powers following their diplomatic rapprochement last year.
Al-Ruwaili met with Mohammad Baqeri, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, to explore ways to strengthen military cooperation, Xinhua news agecy reported quoting Iran’s Fars news agency.
During the meeting, Baqeri extended an invitation for Saudi naval forces to participate in an Iranian maritime exercise planned for next year, either as an active participant or observer.
“The exchange of such visits between our armed forces carries special importance for the region and Muslim world in the current circumstances,” Baqeri was quoted as saying by Fars.
Al-Ruwaili, who arrived in Tehran on Sunday leading a high-level military delegation, agreed to enhance bilateral military cooperation across various domains. Both officials emphasised their countries’ influential role in fostering regional unity among Muslim states.
The Palestine issue was also discussed during the talks, according to Fars.
This high-level military engagement follows the Beijing-sponsored restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in April 2023, ending a seven-year freeze. Riyadh had severed ties with Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom’s execution of a Shiite cleric.
ALSO READ: UAE continues to pioneer global energy sector, says India’s Puri
