Arab and Muslim leaders demand Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories, condemning violence in Gaza.
On Monday, Arab and Muslim leaders gathered at a summit in Riyadh to urge Israel to withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories, asserting that such a step is necessary for lasting peace in the region. They denounced Israeli military actions in Gaza, which they described as “shocking” and “genocide.”
What resolutions and plans support this demand?
The summit’s closing statement referenced past United Nations resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which proposed normalizing ties with Israel in return for a two-state solution along pre-1967 borders. Leaders called for an internationally backed plan to make a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital a reality.
How did Hamas respond to these calls?
In response, Hamas urged Arab and Muslim nations to take concrete action to stop what it called Israel’s aggression against Palestinians. They emphasized that meaningful steps are essential for establishing an independent Palestinian state and stopping civilian harm.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government remains opposed to Palestinian statehood. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the two-state solution as unrealistic, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vowed to pursue West Bank annexations by 2025.
How has the conflict impacted the region?
The summit comes amid heightened violence, starting with Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel last October, which led to heavy casualties on both sides. Lebanon’s Hezbollah, allied with Hamas and backed by Iran, also engaged in border clashes with Israel, escalating the conflict.
What are Saudi Arabia and Lebanon’s positions?
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for a ceasefire. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed concern over foreign interference in Lebanon’s internal issues, particularly Iran’s influence, warning of an “existential” threat to his country.
