KUWAIT: Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Sunday called for an end to the Israeli war in Gaza while affirming their strong support for the Palestinian cause.
The GCC leaders in a declaration issued after the 45th GCC summit in Kuwait voiced their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The deceleration welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and called for Israeli occupation’s withdrawal, the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and the return of displaced persons.
The meeting of the six-member GCC comes at a time when Israel’s war in Gaza now in its 422nd day has killed at least 44,429 Palestinians and left more than 105,250 injured. In Lebanon, Israel has agreed to a ceasefire deal after killing 3,961 people since October 2023.
The Kuwait deceleration condemned Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, as well as violations in occupied Jerusalem’s holy sites, calling for an immediate end to violence, urging international intervention to protect civilians and support negotiations for peace, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
The summit expressed support for the outcomes of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit held in Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2024, which sought to halt the war in Gaza and advance the two-state solution. The leaders also praised Qatar’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire and facilitate detainee exchanges.
Regarding Lebanon, the GCC leaders condemned Israeli aggression and warned of its potential to escalate into a broader regional conflict.
They also expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people and called for a political solution to Lebanon’s internal divisions, emphasising the country’s role in Arab security and culture.
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In Yemen, the GCC leaders commended the efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman to revive the political process among Yemeni parties.
The leaders reiterated the GCC’s commitment to peaceful diplomacy in resolving regional and global disputes, respecting state sovereignty, and adhering to international law.
They also underscored the importance of sustainable economic diversification, energy market stability, and effective responses to climate change. They reaffirmed their commitment to empowering Gulf women across various fields and enhancing the role of youth.
The leaders highlighted the importance of universities, and research institutions in preserving Gulf identity, Arab culture, Islamic values, and principles of good leadership, emphasising the role of GCC institutions in achieving these objectives.
They recognised the digital economy as an opportunity for economic growth and regional integration, commending the region’s advanced and adaptable digital infrastructure, including investments in fast communication technologies.
The leaders highlighted the importance of strategic investments in areas including artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. These technologies, they noted, have placed the GCC in a leading position to capitalise on
They underscored the importance of balancing innovation and economic growth with environmental and social sustainability.
The leaders affirmed that these collective efforts demonstrate the GCC’s commitment to keeping up with global advancements, improving citizens’ quality of life, and establishing the region as a global digital economy hub, ensuring sustainable prosperity for both the region and the world.
