GCC affirms support for Lebanon and calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire
The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held its 45th extraordinary meeting in the Qatari capital, Doha, in light of the military escalation in the Middle East.
The Sultanate of Oman's delegation was headed by Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs.
The Council reviewed the dangerous developments and escalating tensions that are destabilising the region in Lebanon and Gaza, as well as the serious violations in the West Bank and the threats to the Al Aqsa Mosque and religious sanctities.
The Council condemned the escalation in Lebanese and Palestinian territories warning of the serious consequences that extend beyond the region and which pose a threat to international peace and security and are undermining efforts for peace in the region and globally.
It emphasised the need to protect regional security, prevent the expansion of the war, calling on all parties involved to exercise restraint, cease violence and prioritise dialogue.
The Council also called on the international community to take responsibility for maintaining security and stability in the region and to implement relevant international resolutions.
It reaffirmed the GCC's support for the Lebanese people, in all their diversity, during this critical time, urging increased international and regional efforts to provide vital humanitarian aid to Lebanon to alleviate civilian suffering and protect civilians from any dangerous repercussions.
The Council called for restraint, urging Lebanon to avoid becoming entangled in regional conflicts and to prevent the escalation of hostilities in the region.
The Council stressed the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, related international resolutions and the Taif Agreement to restore lasting security and stability in Lebanon and to ensure respect of its territorial integrity, political independence and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders.
The GCC reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people, condemning the Israeli occupation forces' aggression in Gaza and the West Bank. It called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the lifting of the blockade and the release of hostages and detainees.
The Council underscored the need to open all crossings immediately without conditions, ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to meet the essential needs of Gaza's population in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.
The Ministerial Council reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause, calling for an end to Israeli occupation. It supported the Palestinian people's sovereignty over all territories occupied since June 1967 and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions.
The Council also urged all countries to complete their recognition of the State of Palestine.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.