GCC Strongly Condemns Continued Israeli Aggression on Gaza Strip

RIYADH: The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened its 161st session on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the General Secretariat headquarters with strong condemnation of the continued Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the targeting of Palestinian civilians, leading to their forced displacement, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and current President of the Ministerial Council Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani chaired the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Yahya.

Following is the text of statement issued after the meeting:

The ministerial council congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the success of the Hajj season for the year 1445 AH and expressed its appreciation for the efforts and facilities provided by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in caring for the pilgrims and visitors to the Holy Mosque, along with the exemplary organization it managed in serving the Two Holy Mosques.

The council welcomed the establishment of the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence as a pioneering initiative that reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding, and coexistence among civilizations, cultures, and religions, as well as rejecting extremism and hatred.

The council commended the measures taken by the relevant authorities in the Sultanate of Oman following the tragic shooting incident that occurred in a mosque in Al Wadi Al Kabeer area on July 16, 2024, which resulted in a number of casualties. The council offered its sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims’ families and wished for a speedy recovery for the injured.

The council congratulated the United Arab Emirates on winning the bid to host the 47th Conference on Research in Space Science (COSPAR 2028) and praised the leading role played by the UAE and the GCC countries in the field of space.

The ministerial council expressed its heartfelt condolences to the State of Kuwait regarding the victims of the fire that broke out in a building in Mangaf area on June 12, 2024, resulting in the deaths and injuries of dozens, praying that Allah the Almighty grants them His wide mercy, shelters them in His vast paradise, and gives their families and relatives patience and good consolation.

The ministerial council congratulated the Kingdom of Bahrain on the success of its Olympic team in the 2024 Paris Olympics, for winning several gold, silver, and bronze medals, achieving first place at the Arab level.

The council valued the decision by the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to inscribe the “Cultural Landscape of the Al Faw Archaeological Area” in the Riyadh region on the World Heritage List.

The ministerial council congratulated the State of Qatar on the success of the third session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with Central Asian countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which was held on April 30, 2024, in Doha.

The ministerial council reviewed the latest developments in joint Gulf cooperation efforts and insights on political issues regionally and internationally, as follows:

”Strengthening Joint Gulf Cooperation:

1. The Ministerial Council was briefed on the efforts being made by the working committees within the framework of the GCC to implement the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, regarding the strengthening of joint Gulf cooperation, which the Supreme Council adopted during its 36th session held in December 2015, and urged for its swift implementation.
2. The council was informed about the journey of economic and developmental integration among the GCC countries and the recommendations and reports of the specialized ministerial committees at the General Secretariat. It approved the integrated learning guide for the GCC countries as a guiding document, as well as the future action plan for the Ministers of Youth and Sports for the period from 2025 to 2030. The Council also approved a number of guiding documents in the field of joint municipal work and extending the guidance phase for the GCC Building Code for an additional three years, starting from December 2024.

 Situation in Gaza:

3. The Ministerial Council condemned the continued Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the targeting of Palestinian civilians, leading to their forced displacement. It affirmed the support of the GCC for the Palestinian people amid the current developments in Gaza and its surroundings, demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to the Israeli military operations, as well as the lifting of the blockade imposed on the Strip, alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, and ensuring the secure delivery of all humanitarian and relief aid and basic needs to the residents of Gaza.
4. The Ministerial Council holds Israel legally accountable before the international community for its continuous violations and attacks against innocent civilians, which constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians in Gaza, most of whom are women and children, in violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
5. The Ministerial Council expressed its rejection of any justifications or excuses that characterize the Israeli aggression against Gaza as self-defense, calling on the international community to take necessary measures, under international law, to respond to the illegal practices of the Israeli government and its policy of collective punishment against the besieged residents of Gaza.
6. The council welcomed the content of the joint statement issued on August 8, 2024, by Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and President Joseph Biden of the United States of America concerning the necessity of reaching a ceasefire, releasing hostages and detainees in Gaza, and resuming negotiations on August 15, 2024, affirming the complete support of the Council for ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and to urgently address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
7. The Ministerial Council condemned the statements made by the Israeli Prime Minister on September 3, 2024, regarding the Philadelphi route and the futile attempts to justify ongoing Israeli violations of international law and norms. It affirmed the solidarity of the Council member states and their support for the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt in confronting Israeli allegations. The Council warned of the consequences of these provocative statements and their implications for undermining the mediation efforts of the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of hostages and detainees.
8. The Ministerial Council underscored the importance of preparing a comprehensive plan for the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza upon the conclusion of the war, reaffirming the GCC’s rejection of entrenching the idea of separating Gaza from the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Any proposals concerning the future of Gaza should occur within the context of working towards a comprehensive solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. There is also a necessity to adopt a holistic approach towards a credible and irreversible path to implement the two-state solution in accordance with international law, international humanitarian law, and the agreed standards, including United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
9. The Ministerial Council condemned all forms of political assassinations and expressed its rejection of all forms of political violence, considering the crimes perpetrated by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people as undermining efforts for peace.
10. The Ministerial Council welcomed the contents of the statement issued on August 7, 2024, from the extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the level of foreign ministers of member states to discuss the ongoing crimes by Israel. This statement reaffirmed the decisions made at the extraordinary joint Arab-Islamic summit held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in November 2023.
11. The Ministerial Council welcomed Security Council resolution 2735, adopted on June 10, 2024, calling for an immediate and complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages, the exchange of prisoners, the return of civilians to their homes, the safe and effective distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory. It emphasized the necessity for Israel to comply with Security Council resolutions 2728, 2712 and 2720.
12. The Ministerial Council welcomed the United Kingdom’s announcement on September 3, 2024, to suspend arms export licenses to the Israeli occupation, including munitions used in the current war on the Gaza Strip. The Council noted that this announcement aligns with the United Nations Security Council and International Court of Justice resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians, as well as supporting ongoing efforts to end the war in the Gaza Strip.
13. The Ministerial Council condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression against the city of Rafah and the incursion of occupation forces into the border crossing, which has been closed to humanitarian aid for the residents of Gaza, along with threats to forcibly displace citizens from shelters and residences. The Council also condemned the continued destruction by Israeli forces of residential areas, hospitals, schools, universities, mosques, churches, and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, including the targeting of the Al Taba’een School in the Al Daraj neighborhood on August 10, 2024, the Nuseirat Camp on June 8, 2024, and the targeting of refugee camps in the Al Attar area on July 17, 2024, and in Al Mawasi on July 13, 2024, in Khan Younis, in clear violation of international humanitarian law.
14. The Ministerial Council condemned the continued targeting of humanitarian and international organizations by Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip, including the targeting of schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), such as the Al Razi School on July 17, 2024, and a school in Al Nuseirat Camp on July 7, 2024. The Council condemned ongoing attacks from Israeli settlers on humanitarian aid convoys, affirming the responsibility of Israeli occupation forces under international humanitarian law to protect these convoys to deliver essential humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip without obstructing the work of international organizations.
15. The Ministerial Council emphasized the importance of the continued work of the ministerial committee, chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, established during the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit, in its efforts to halt Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and to mobilize international support for Palestine’s efforts to gain recognition from additional countries, and to support its bid for full membership in the United Nations, as well as to convene an international peace conference.
16. The Ministerial Council called on the Security Council to take a binding decision under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter to ensure compliance by Israeli occupation forces with an immediate ceasefire and to halt the genocide against the Palestinian people and their forced displacement. It demanded that the Security Council implement its previous resolutions concerning the Arab-Israeli conflict.
17. The Ministerial Council expressed its support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land and warned against any attempts to displace them. It called for the provision of international protection for the Palestinian people, demanding the protection of civilians and refraining from targeting them, along with compliance with and commitment to international law and humanitarian law without exception.
18. The Ministerial Council commended the efforts undertaken by the GCC countries and Arab nations at the political level to stop the Israeli assaults in the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian and relief assistance provided by Council member states to the Gaza Strip, and the popular campaigns to assist the Palestinian people and deliver humanitarian aid to besieged residents.

The Palestinian Cause:

19. The Ministerial Council affirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and its support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all Palestinian territories occupied since June 1967. It called on all countries to complete their procedures for recognizing the State of Palestine and to take urgent collective action to achieve a permanent solution that ensures the end of Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and guarantees the return of refugees, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions. It emphasized the necessity for the international community to intensify its efforts to resolve the conflict, ensuring that all legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are met according to those foundations, and for the Security Council to swiftly issue a resolution to complete international recognition of the independent State of Palestine and to obtain full membership in the United Nations.
20. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its support for the initiatives announced by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, at the Bahrain Summit, calling for the convening of an international conference for peace in the Middle East to establish a Palestinian national, independent, and sovereign state, supporting efforts for international recognition of the Palestinian state and its full UN membership.
21. The Ministerial Council affirmed its support for the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the Arab League to revive the peace process in the Middle East and launch the “Peace Day Initiative” in collaboration with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It praised the efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the Kingdom of Norway to support the implementation of the two-state solution, including the recognition of the Palestinian state and holding two ministerial meetings involving the ministerial committee assigned by the Arab and Islamic summit regarding Gaza in Riyadh on April 29, 2024, and in Brussels on May 26, 2024, welcoming the statements issued from both meetings.
22. The Ministerial Council valued the efforts made by Arab countries to achieve national reconciliation to restore Palestinian national unity and achieve the interests of the Palestinian people. The Council welcomed the signing of the “Beijing Declaration” by Palestinian factions on July 23, 2024, aimed at ending the division and achieving reconciliation and enhancing Palestinian unity, expressing hope for the implementation of the declaration.
23. The Ministerial Council praised the recognition of the State of Palestine by Barbados, Jamaica, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Ireland, the Republic of Slovenia, and the Republic of Armenia, urging other countries to recognize the State of Palestine and support its full membership in the United Nations, as part of the implementation of the two-state solution and fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to end the occupation.
24. The Ministerial Council emphasized the importance of the continued work of the Arab ministerial committee to support the State of Palestine, chaired by the Kingdom of Bahrain, at the international level to support Palestine’s efforts to gain further recognitions, acquire full membership in the United Nations, hold an international peace conference, and provide international protection for the Palestinian people.
25. The Ministerial Council welcomed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 18, 2024, concerning Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, asserting the illegality of the measures taken by the Israeli occupation to establish facts that contravene international legitimacy affirming the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. The Council commended the statements made by the GCC and brotherly and friendly countries before the International Court of Justice during the discussion of the advisory opinion regarding the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
26. The Ministerial Council emphasized the Arab summit’s call in its 33rd session to deploy international protection and peacekeeping forces from the United Nations in the occupied Palestinian territories until the implementation of the two-state solution.
27. The Ministerial Council called on the international community to intervene to halt the targeting of the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem, the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes, attempts to alter its legal status and demographic composition, and arrangements concerning Islamic holy places, as well as attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty over them, in blatant violation of international law, international resolutions, and existing agreements in this regard, emphasizing the necessity to refrain from unilateral actions.
28. The Ministerial Council underscored the importance of increasing international support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) amid critical humanitarian conditions, stressing the need for the agency to continue performing its duties to ensure the provision of basic necessities for Palestinians, alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the occupied territories, and rescuing the Palestinian people from poverty, devastation, and humanitarian tragedy. The Council commended the generous aid and support provided by Council member states for the agency’s activities.
29. The Ministerial Council condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval on July 18, 2024, of a decision rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, viewing it as a flagrant challenge to international legitimacy and a disregard for international community efforts to revive the peace process in the Middle East and implement the two-state solution.
30. The Ministerial Council condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval on July 24, 2024, of a draft law designating the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization, emphasizing the necessity for the international community to stand firmly against Israeli schemes aimed at dismantling the agency and depriving millions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon of its vital services.
31. The Ministerial Council condemned the incursion of the Israeli Minister of National Security into the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque under the protection of occupying authorities on July 18, 2024, and condemned the repeated incursions by settlers and Israeli officials into the courtyards of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque, in a serious violation of international law and the existing historical and legal status in the holy city of Jerusalem and its sacred sites, violating the sanctity of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque and provoking the feelings of Muslims. The Council affirmed that ongoing violations and attacks against sacred sites exacerbate tensions and lead to a cycle of continuous violence.
32. The Ministerial Council condemned the Israeli security cabinet’s decision on June 29, 2024, to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, and condemned Israel’s continuation of building settlement units in the occupied Palestinian territories and evicting Palestinians from their homes. It expressed rejection of any intentions to annex settlements in the West Bank to Israel, in blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law, and United Nations resolutions, including Security Council resolution 2334 of 2016, the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 2004, and the 4th Geneva Convention of 1949. The Council called on the international community to pressure Israeli authorities to reverse their settlement decisions that violate international laws and resolutions.

Iranian Occupation of the Three Islands of the United Arab Emirates:

33. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its unwavering positions and previous decisions condemning Iran’s continued occupation of the three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa) belonging to the United Arab Emirates, reiterating the following:
34. Support for the United Arab Emirates’ sovereignty over its three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, as well as over the territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone of these islands, as an integral part of the UAE’s territory.
35. Viewing any decisions, practices, or actions undertaken by Iran on these three islands as null and void, stating they do not alter the historical and legal facts affirming the UAE’s sovereign rights over its three islands.
36. Calling on Iran to respond to the UAE’s efforts to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or by appealing to the International Court of Justice.
37. The Ministerial Council condemned the Iranian government’s continued construction of housing facilities to settle Iranians in the three islands occupied by Iran and the escalatory stances and actions taken by the Iranian authorities, including statements made by the Iranian Vice Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Arslan Maleki, on May 12, 2024, indicating Iran’s intention to provide lands for illegal housing projects on the occupied island of Abu Musa, as well as statements from the (late) Iranian President on February 4, 2024, during a Cabinet meeting regarding Iranian industrial efforts on the islands, in addition to statements made by Mohammad Mokhber – the First Vice President of Iran on January 11, 2024, regarding the completion of what he termed the document for the development of the three islands, which includes the construction of facilities and housing projects on the three Emirati islands.
38. The Ministerial Council condemned the Iranian military exercises that encompass the three occupied islands of the United Arab Emirates, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, as well as the territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone of these islands, which are integral parts of the United Arab Emirates’ territory. These exercises included the latest Iranian military maneuvers and combat drills on the occupied island of Abu Musa on June 20, 2024, while calling on Iran to cease such violations and provocations that interfere with the affairs of an independent sovereign state, do not aid in building trust, threaten security and stability in the region, and endanger regional and international maritime navigation.
39. The Ministerial Council condemned the repeated visits by senior Iranian officials to the three occupied Emirati islands, the latest of which was the visit of the Deputy Commander of Iranian Police Forces, Qasem Rezaei, to the occupied island of Abu Musa on July 11, 2024, to inspect the Iranian strategic projects.

Al Durra Field:

37. The Ministerial Council affirmed that the Al Durra field lies entirely within the maritime areas of the State of Kuwait, stating that the ownership of natural resources in the divided submerged area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti divided area, including the entire Al Durra field, is a joint ownership solely between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait, and that they alone have full rights to exploit natural resources in that area according to international law and based on established and effective agreements between them. The Council firmly rejected any claims of rights by any other party regarding this field or the submerged area adjacent to the divided area, demarcated between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait.

Combating Terrorism and Extremism:

38. The Ministerial Council reiterated its firm positions and decisions regarding terrorism and extremism, regardless of their source, condemning all forms and manifestations, rejecting their motives and justifications, and working to dry up their funding sources. It supports international efforts to combat terrorism and asserts that terrorism is not linked to any religion, culture, nationality, or ethnic group, affirming that tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples are among the most important principles and values upon which the societies of the GCC States are built and interact with other nations.
39. The Ministerial Council welcomed the State of Kuwait’s hosting of the Dushanbe International Conference on Strengthening International Counter Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms, scheduled to be held on November 4-5, 2024, in Kuwait.
40. The Ministerial Council condemned the terrorist attack that occurred in the Baluchistan province of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on August 28, 2024, which resulted in the death and injury of several individuals.
41. The Ministerial Council condemned the shooting incident involving Mr Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, on July 14, 2024, which took place during a rally for his campaign in Pennsylvania, reaffirming its consistent position of rejecting all forms of violence regardless of motives and reasons.
42. The Ministerial Council condemned all terrorist acts, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and the violation of civilians and civilian installations, such as schools, places of worship, and hospitals. It highlighted the importance of international and regional coordination to face terrorist groups and sectarian militias that threaten security and destabilize the region.
43. The Ministerial Council condemned the continued foreign support for terrorist groups and sectarian militias in the Middle East, which threaten Arab national security, destabilize the region, and impede international efforts to combat terrorism, particularly those of the international coalition against ISIS.
44. The Ministerial Council emphasized the importance of instilling values of dialogue and respect among peoples and cultures, rejecting any acts that promote religious hatred and extremism. It called for collective international efforts to promote these principles in all societies and to foster a culture of religious tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence. The Council condemned statements that disparage Islam, Muslims, and Islamic civilization, affirming the necessity to combat all manifestations of hatred, bigotry, negative stereotyping, and the distortion of religions.
45. The Ministerial Council called for deterrent measures to combat extremism, hate speech, and incitement, denouncing these acts wherever they occur due to their negative impact on social peace and the sustainability of international peace and security, encouraging conflicts, exacerbating them, and repeating them globally, destabilizing peace and stability in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2734 adopted on 10 June 2024. It also urged all countries to promote a tolerance agenda, peaceful coexistence, human fraternity, and to reject hatred, sectarianism, bigotry, and extremism in all forms.
46. The Ministerial Council emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Council and brotherly and friendly countries, as well as working with regional and international organizations to combat terrorism and extremism and mitigate their serious effects on the region and their threat to international peace and security.

Iran:

47. The Ministerial Council congratulated Dr Masoud Bezhakian on his victory in the presidential elections of the Islamic Republic of Iran, wishing him and the Iranian people success and prosperity.
48. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its consistent positions and decisions regarding relations with Iran, stressing the necessity for Iran to adhere to fundamental principles based on the United Nations Charter, international law, good-neighborliness, respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in internal affairs, resolution of disputes through peaceful means, non-use of force or the threat thereof, and the renouncement of sectarianism.
49. The Ministerial Council expressed the concerns of the GCC regarding the serious recent developments in military escalation in the Middle East and their negative impact on regional security and stability, emphasizing the importance of immediate de-escalation to maintain the security and stability of the region, as well as the necessity for all parties to engage in joint efforts and adopt a diplomatic approach as an effective means for conflict resolution, exercising utmost restraint, and keeping the region and its peoples safe from the dangers of wars.
50. The Ministerial Council welcomed the understandings reached in the framework of mediation by the Sultanate of Oman between Iran and France, which resulted in the release of a French citizen. The Council praised the positive contributions of the Sultanate of Oman in this context.
51. The Ministerial Council expressed the GCC’s concerns regarding developments in the Iranian nuclear file, asserting the importance of expediting constructive understandings between Iran and the concerned states regarding the nuclear issue to safeguard regional security and stability. The Ministerial Council stated its readiness to cooperate and engage effectively with the Iranian nuclear file, participating in all regional and international negotiations, discussions and meetings in this regard. It also called for these negotiations to include not only the Iranian nuclear program but also all security concerns of the Arab Gulf states, such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, the safety of international navigation, and oil facilities, to contribute to achieving shared goals and interests within the framework of respecting state sovereignty, principles of good-neighborliness, and compliance with international resolutions and legitimacy to ensure the enhancement of regional and international security and stability.
52. The Ministerial Council emphasized the importance of Iran’s commitment not to exceed the uranium enrichment levels required for peaceful uses and the necessity for Iran to fulfil its obligations and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
53. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of maintaining maritime security and water passages in the region, countering activities that threaten the security and stability of the region and the world, including targeting commercial vessels, jeopardizing shipping lines and international trade, and attacking oil facilities in the member states of the Council.

Yemen:

54. The Ministerial Council affirmed its full support for the Presidential Leadership Council, headed by His Excellency Dr Rashad Mohammed Al Alimi, and the entities supporting it to achieve security and stability in Yemen, and to reach a comprehensive political solution in accordance with the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216, ensuring that the brotherly Yemen maintains its sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence.
55. The Ministerial Council welcomed the ongoing sincere efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the communications with all Yemeni parties to revive the political process in order to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable political solution in Yemen, stressing the necessity of a ceasefire and the importance of the Houthis engaging positively with international and UN efforts to end the Yemeni crisis and seriously consider peace initiatives to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
56. The Ministerial Council renewed its support for the efforts of the United Nations and its Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to reach a comprehensive political solution in accordance with the three references. The Council praised the Yemeni government’s commitment to renewing the humanitarian truce announced by the UN in Yemen. The ministers also called on the Houthi group to fulfill all its commitments announced by the UN envoy on December 23, 2023, regarding a set of measures that include implementing a nationwide ceasefire, improving living conditions in Yemen, and engaging in resuming an inclusive political process under the patronage of the United Nations. They urged a firm stance against the Houthis’ actions that contradict the efforts of the UN and the countries in the region to achieve peace in Yemen.
57. The Ministerial Council expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing developments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, stressing the importance of de-escalation to maintain security and stability in Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It called for respect for the right to maritime navigation in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982. The Council condemned the continued foreign interventions in Yemen’s internal affairs, including the smuggling of military experts and weapons to the Houthi militias, in flagrant violation of Security Council Resolutions 2216, 2231, and 2624.
58. The Ministerial Council praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for depositing the third tranche of budget support for the Yemeni government, totaling $250 million. This is part of the total support of $1.2 billion in support of the economic reforms undertaken by the Yemeni government, which comes as a confirmation of the Kingdom’s keenness to achieve security, stability and development for the brotherly Yemeni people, and as a contribution to strengthening the Yemeni government’s budget, raising the purchasing power of the Yemeni citizen, and supporting economic recovery in Yemen.
59. The Ministerial Council commended the financial support provided by the United Arab Emirates for the establishment of a solar power station in the Buraiqa district of the temporary capital, Aden, covering an area of 1.6 million square meters with a capacity of 120 megawatts through Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company “Masdar.” This project is part of sustainable solutions to address the electricity crisis in the brotherly Republic of Yemen. The Council also hailed the arrival of the vessel (PS DREAM), carrying 42,000 tons of diesel, at the oil port in Aden on March 9, 2024. This represents the third grant from the UAE, out of a total of 125,000 tons of diesel and 106,000 tons of mazut, aimed at increasing generation capacity to help operate power plants in Aden and several liberated governorates.
60. The Ministerial Council praised the approval of the Government of Kuwait for the Yemeni government’s request to provide necessary support to the aviation sector in the Republic of Yemen by granting three aircraft and two engines.
61. The Ministerial Council commended the achievements of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), as well as the humanitarian support provided by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid from the GCC to the Republic of Yemen. It acknowledged the humanitarian and developmental assistance offered by all GCC countries to Yemen. The Council highlighted the development projects and vital programs implemented by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programs for Yemen (SDRPY) which includes 229 development projects and initiatives across seven key sectors: education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, and building the capacities of government institutions. This also includes developmental programs and financial support for the Yemeni government’s budget, as well as support for salaries, operating expenses, and food security in Yemen. The efforts of the Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance “MASAM” to clear Yemeni lands of mines were also recognized, having removed 454,688 mines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices, and cleared 58,654,867 square meters of land in Yemen that were contaminated with mines and unexploded munitions planted haphazardly by Houthi militias, which have caused casualties among innocent children, women, and the elderly.
62. The Ministerial Council welcomed the statement issued by the Office of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General to Yemen, Mr Hans Grundberg, regarding reaching a positive agreement between the Yemeni parties to de-escalate tensions related to the banking sector and Yemen’s national airlines. The Council renewed its support for all efforts aimed at achieving peace and security for Yemen and its brotherly people.
63. The Ministerial Council called on the Houthi group to immediately release all detained Yemeni employees working for the United Nations, the United States Embassy, international organizations, and other diplomatic missions, considering this a violation of international law and diplomatic norms.

 Iraq:

64. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its positions and steadfast decisions regarding the brotherly country of Iraq, expressing support towards ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability in Iraq. It emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity and unity of Iraqi territory, its full sovereignty, Arab identity, social fabric, and national unity, as well as supporting Iraq in confronting terrorist groups and armed militias to uphold state sovereignty and enforce the law.
65. The Ministerial Council praised the positive partnership between the GCC and Iraq, confirming the commitment to advancing the electric interconnection project to link Iraq with the electricity grid of GCC countries, aiming for greater integration and connectivity between Iraq and the member states, thereby serving their mutual interests and paving the way for further cooperation in the future.
66. The Ministerial Council condemned all terrorist operations targeting the Republic of Iraq that affect civilians and Iraqi security forces. It affirmed the GCC’s solidarity with Iraq in combating terrorism and extremism and condemned all foreign attacks against Iraq. The Council stressed the necessity of respecting Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that the member states stand united alongside the brotherly Iraq.
67. The Ministerial Council called on Iraq to resume meetings of the legal technical teams concerned with demarcating borders beyond boundary marker 162. It also urged Iraq to respond to Kuwait’s request to resume meetings of the Kuwait-Iraq Joint Committee to regulate maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah.
68. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and its territorial integrity, committing to bilateral and international agreements and all relevant United Nations resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 833 (1993) regarding the demarcation of the Kuwait-Iraq land and maritime borders. The Council called on Iraq to make serious efforts to complete the demarcation of maritime borders between the two countries beyond maritime boundary marker 162. It urged the Government of Iraq to adhere to the Agreement on Regulating Maritime Navigation in Khor Abdullah signed between Kuwait and Iraq on April 29, 2012, which came into effect on December 5, 2013, and was jointly deposited with the United Nations on December 18, 2013. The Ministerial Council expressed its total rejection of the reasoning included in the ruling of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq on this matter and its rejection of the historical inaccuracies contained in the ruling’s rationale. It considered any unilateral decisions, practices, or actions taken by Iraq related to the Khor Abdullah Agreement as null and void, in addition to rejecting Iraq’s unilateral action to cancel the security exchange protocol signed in 2008 and its approved map in the joint plan to ensure safe navigation in Khor Abdullah signed between the two sides on December 28, 2014, both of which included a clear and specific mechanism for amendment and cancellation.
69. The Ministerial Council stressed its support for Security Council Resolution No. 2732 (2024), and the importance of ensuring the continued follow-up by the Security Council to developments and updates on the humanitarian file of prisoners and missing persons and the file of Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, and adherence to the umbrella of the Security Council as stated in Security Council Resolution No. 2107 (2013), which defined the framework for submitting reports related to the State of Kuwait’s files to the Security Council and no other United Nations bodies, and continuing the mechanism for writing periodic reports on the same issue, considering that this matter has contributed to achieving tangible positive developments in this regard. The Ministerial Council also stressed that the fair and most appropriate alternative after the termination of the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) lies in the Secretary General appointing a high-level coordinator to follow up on Kuwait’s humanitarian and national files, similar to what was in effect before the issuance of Security Council Resolution 2107 (2013), considering that it is a mechanism that has been tried and proven successful, and calling on the Government of Iraq to cooperate to achieve progress in this regard and to do its utmost Efforts to reach a final solution to these files.
70. The Ministerial Council welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Dr Mohammed Awad Al Hassan as the Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Iraq, and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

Syria:

71. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its steadfast positions regarding the preservation of the territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, respect for its independence and sovereignty over its territory, rejection of regional interventions in its internal affairs, and support for the efforts of the United Nations to reach a political solution in Syria in line with Security Council Resolution No. 2254 and relevant UN resolutions. The Council also supported the efforts of its Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, and the initiatives to care for Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons, working towards their voluntary and safe return to Syria in accordance with international standards, while rejecting any attempts to effect demographic changes in Syria.
72. The Council praised the commitment of the State of Qatar at the donors’ conference for Syria, held in Brussels on May 27, 2024, to provide $75 million in addition to its contributions in previous years. The Council also commended the humanitarian assistance provided by all member states to support the humanitarian efforts for the benefit of the brotherly Syrian people.
73. The Ministerial Council expressed its support for the efforts of the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee regarding the Syrian crisis, emphasizing the implementation of the commitments outlined in the Amman Declaration on May 1, 2023, and the Cairo Declaration on August 15, 2023. The Council also expressed its anticipation for the resumption of the work of the Syrian Constitutional Committee.
74. The Ministerial Council condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, which constitute a violation of international law and an infringement on Syria’s sovereignty.

Lebanon:

75. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed the steadfast positions of the GCC in support of the brotherly Lebanese people and its continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as for the Lebanese Armed Forces that protect its borders and resist threats from extremist and terrorist groups. It emphasized the importance of implementing comprehensive structural political and economic reforms to enable Lebanon to overcome its political and economic crisis, and to prevent it from becoming a launching pad for terrorists, drug trafficking, or other criminal activities that threaten the security and stability of the region.
76. The Ministerial Council condemned the repeated Israeli violations against Lebanon and stressed the necessity of fully implementing Security Council Resolution No. 1701, which calls for Israel to respect Lebanese borders and for the Lebanese government to exert control over all Lebanese territory. This is in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions and the Taif Agreement, ensuring that Lebanon exercises its full sovereignty with no weapons except by the approval of the Lebanese government and no authority other than its own.
77. The Ministerial Council highlighted the necessity of avoiding military escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border, protecting civilians, exercising restraint, and avoiding involvement in regional conflicts to prevent the expansion of disputes in the region.
78. The Ministerial Council supported the efforts of the Quintet Group regarding Lebanon, which stressed the importance of expediting presidential elections and implementing necessary economic reforms for the Lebanese government to fulfill its responsibilities toward its citizens. It praised the efforts of Lebanon’s friends and partners in restoring and enhancing trust and cooperation between Lebanon and the GCC countries, as well as their support for the role of the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces in maintaining Lebanon’s security.

Sudan:

79. The Ministerial Council affirmed the GCC’s firm positions and decisions on the importance of preserving Sudan’s sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity, supporting Sudan in confronting developments and repercussions of the current crisis, the need for calm, the need to favor dialogue and unify ranks, and return to the path of the political process leading to a civilian authority, alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Sudanese people, preserving the cohesion of the national state institutions, preventing their collapse, and preventing the escalation of the conflict and confrontations between the Sudanese parties. It also urged the Sudanese government and the Rapid Support Forces to seriously and effectively engage with crisis resolution initiatives, including the Jeddah Forum, neighboring countries, and others.
80. The Council stressed the importance of both parties to the conflict in Sudan committing to ending this conflict in light of the agreements made in the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023, regarding the commitment to protect civilians, as well as the declaration issued on May 20, 2023, concerning the agreement on a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements within the framework of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
81. The Ministerial Council welcomed the final statement of the Sudanese Political and Civil Forces Conference held on July 7, 2024, in the Arab Republic of Egypt, with the attendance of representatives from GCC countries, Arab and African nations, and the European Union. The Ministerial Council emphasized the necessity of an immediate cessation of war, including mechanisms, means, and monitoring for a permanent ceasefire. It reiterated the need to adhere to the Jeddah Declaration and called on the international community to continue supporting the Republic of Sudan in light of critical humanitarian conditions, ensuring the provision of basic requirements to mitigate the effects of the humanitarian crisis.
82. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the second consultative meeting held on July 24, 2024, in the Republic of Djibouti, aimed at enhancing coordination of peace initiatives and efforts in Sudan, attended by several GCC countries. It stressed the need to resolve the crisis in the sisterly Republic of Sudan and restore security and stability there.
83. The Council discussed the outcomes of the meetings held in Switzerland on August 14, 2024, aimed at taking concrete and immediate steps to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities, and emphasizing the continued collaboration with international partners until security and stability are restored in Sudan. It welcomed the results of these meetings and the statement issued by the coalition group for saving lives and achieving peace in Sudan, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Switzerland, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations. The statement highlighted the necessity of ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid delivery and the importance of increasing assistance to Darfur while starting to address the famine.
84. The Ministerial Council welcomed Security Council Resolution No. 2736, issued on June 13, 2024, which calls for the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration regarding the commitment to protect civilians in Sudan and seeks an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the conflict through dialogue. It urged all parties to ensure the removal of any obstacles and to enable the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered access of humanitarian aid.
85. The Ministerial Council expressed its heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the Republic of Sudan and the brotherly Sudanese people following the collapse of a dam in the Red Sea state, which resulted in fatalities and injuries. It prayed for the deceased to be granted mercy and for the injured to receive a swift recovery.
86. The Ministerial Council welcomed the decision of the Transitional Sovereignty Council in Sudan to open the Adré border crossing with Chad to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected by the war. It emphasized the importance of opening more routes and allowing aid to enter Sudan through various possible crossings.
87. The Ministerial Council acknowledged the humanitarian assistance and bridges of support provided by GCC countries to the brotherly Sudanese people, as well as the aid offered by brotherly and friendly nations and international organizations to meet urgent humanitarian needs.

 Libya:

88. The Ministerial Council affirmed the position of the Cooperation Council in support of the sisterly State of Libya, the Libyan-Libyan political solution and the Security Council resolutions, reiterating its keenness to preserve the interests of the Libyan people, achieve security, stability and development in Libya, ensure its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, stop interference in its internal affairs, and ensure the exit of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libyan territory, and support the efforts of the United Nations to reach a political solution, hold elections and unify state institutions to achieve what the Libyan people aspire to.
89. The Ministerial Council welcomed the statement issued by the second meeting of members of the Libyan House of Representatives and the State Council, on July 18, 2024, which was held in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and stressed the need to hold presidential and legislative elections and form a single new government and called on the international community to support national consensus.
90. The Ministerial Council called on all parties in Libya to prevail wisdom and reason and adopt political dialogue to resolve differences in a way that preserves the supreme interests of the State of Libya and achieves the aspirations of its people for development and prosperity, stressing the position of the GCC countries in support of the State of Libya and the political path and relevant Security Council resolutions in a way that preserves its security, stability and sovereignty.

Afghanistan:

91. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of restoring security and stability in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the brotherly Afghan people and benefits regional and international security and peace, and the importance of ensuring women’s right to education and work, protecting minorities, and ensuring that Afghan lands are not used by any terrorist groups, or exploiting Afghan lands to export drugs.
92. The Ministerial Council stressed the solidarity of the Cooperation Council with the people of Afghanistan in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and enhancing security and stability in its territories.

Somalia:

93. The Ministerial Council affirmed the GCC’s solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia in all matters that support its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, ensuring a decent life for its brotherly people.
94. The Ministerial Council welcomed Security Council Resolution No. 2748, issued on August 15, 2024, which emphasized full respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity. It highlighted the need to adopt a comprehensive approach that reinforces the foundations of peace and stability, in line with the priorities set by the Somali government.
95. The Council condemned the terrorist attacks that occurred in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on July 15, 2024, and August 3, 2024, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of several innocent civilians.
96. The Ministerial Council condemned all terrorist operations targeting the Federal Republic of Somalia and reaffirmed the GCC’s support for the brotherly Somali people in combating terrorism and violence.

Crisis Between Russia and Ukraine:

97. The Ministerial Council affirmed that the GCC’s position on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis is based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter, maintaining the international system that respects the sovereignty of states, their territorial integrity, and political independence, while refraining from interference in their internal affairs and from the use or threat of force.
98. The Ministerial Council expressed its support for the mediation efforts and initiatives undertaken by GCC countries to contribute to reaching a political solution to the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. It reiterated its support for international and regional efforts to resolve the crisis.
99. The Ministerial Council praised the successful mediation efforts of the United Arab Emirates between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, which resulted in the exchange of 1,788 prisoners of war from both sides. It also commended the State of Qatar’s successful mediation in reuniting Ukrainian and Russian children with their families, highlighting the efforts of GCC countries and their success in mediating the prisoner exchange, rooted in their commitment to humanitarian principles and international solidarity in building peace and stability.
100. The Ministerial Council noted the humanitarian and relief assistance provided by GCC countries to Ukraine and stressed the importance of continuing support for all efforts to facilitate the export of grains and all food and humanitarian materials to contribute to food security for affected countries.

Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and the Russian Federation:

101. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the 7th Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue between Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC member states, and the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, and the completion of the implementation of the Joint Action Plan for the period (2023 – 2028).
102. The Ministerial Council condemned the terrorist attacks that targeted places of worship in the Republic of Dagestan in the Russian Federation on June 25, 2024.

Joint Ministerial Meeting between the GCC and the Republic of India:

103. The Ministerial Council expressed its solidarity with the Republic of India regarding the victims of landslides and mudslides in the state of Kerala on July 30, 2024, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens. The Council extended its sincere condolences to the Government of India and its friendly people, as well as to the families and relatives of the victims of this tragedy, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
104. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the GCC member states and the Foreign Minister of the Republic of India, and the adoption of the Joint Action Plan (2024-2028), emphasising the importance of enhancing coordination and consultation in all fields.

Joint Ministerial Meeting between the GCC and the Federative Republic of Brazil:

105. The Ministerial Council expressed its solidarity with the Federative Republic of Brazil regarding the incident involving the crash of a civilian aircraft in the state of São Paulo on August 9, 2024. The Council conveyed its sincere condolences to the Government of Brazil and its friendly people, as well as to the families and relatives of the victims of this tragedy, wishing a swift recovery to the injured.
106. The Ministerial Council congratulated Brazil on its National Day on September 7, wishing for continued prosperity and flourishing for its friendly people.
107. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting between Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC member states and the Foreign Minister of the Federative Republic of Brazil, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Strategic Dialogue between the Cooperation Council and Brazil.

 Enhancing Partnerships with Other Nations and Groups:

108. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the Strategic Dialogue meetings between the GCC and several other states and groups, reaffirming the importance of implementing what has been stated in the resolutions and Joint Action Plans that have been agreed upon, thereby reinforcing the progress of the Cooperation Council and achieving its political and developmental objectives both regionally and internationally.
109. The Ministerial Council welcomed the commencement of the first round of negotiations with the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Indonesia. It reviewed the progress of negotiations on Free Trade Agreements with the People’s Republic of China, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and the results of the legal review with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Korea. It also noted preparations for starting negotiations with several trade partners according to the agreed priorities of the member states, and welcomed the efforts made to enhance the strategic relations of the member states and achieve the desired goals of these agreements.’