Riyadh, November 10, 2024 — In response to the escalating violence and Israeli military aggression in Palestinian and Lebanese territories, Saudi Arabia has called for an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit to be held on November 11, 2024. This urgent gathering, convened under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, aims to unify Arab and Islamic countries in addressing the severe crisis and to establish a path toward lasting peace and stability in the region.
With Saudi Arabia’s historic commitment to defending Arab and Islamic causes, particularly the Palestinian cause, the Kingdom has taken a leading role in advocating for an immediate end to hostilities. The summit will prioritize stopping the aggression, safeguarding civilians, providing humanitarian support to Palestinians and Lebanese civilians, and urging the international community to take decisive action toward peace. This summit builds on a similar gathering held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, where Arab and Islamic leaders underscored the importance of a unified stance amidst the intensifying conflict in Gaza and broader Palestinian territories.
To expedite a coordinated response, a Ministerial Committee was established, including foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Palestine, alongside officials from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This committee has been tasked with advancing diplomatic efforts and urging the international community to intervene, halt the military assault on Gaza, and push for a viable political process aimed at achieving a lasting, comprehensive peace in the region.
Committee members have met with key world leaders and officials to garner international support for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the restoration of essential services in Gaza. During these diplomatic engagements, committee members emphasized the urgent need to end Israeli aggression, which has resulted in the displacement of thousands and the destruction of critical infrastructure, and called for safe corridors to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies.
The committee strongly condemned the violation of international law and humanitarian norms, highlighting Israel’s denial of basic rights such as access to water, electricity, and freedom of movement. They reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967, borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Committee members also stressed the need to revive the peace process to ensure a just and lasting peace, urging the international community to take a firm stance against ongoing violations.
Over the past year, the committee has actively sought international support for the Palestinian cause. On December 15, 2023, members convened in Oslo with European leaders, calling for urgent action to address violations of international law in Gaza and the West Bank. In May 2024, the committee expressed gratitude for Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine, reinforcing the global push for Palestinian statehood and the protection of Palestinian rights.
At the United Nations in September 2024, committee members gathered to strategize on advancing Palestinian state recognition and intensifying Arab and Muslim advocacy efforts. An urgent meeting with the Arab League and OIC was held alongside the UN General Assembly to address Israeli military escalations. Leaders focused on preventing further conflict expansion and promoting peace and stability in the region.
With the recent intensification of violence in Palestinian territories and Lebanon, Arab and Islamic leaders are called to join forces in Riyadh to address this crisis, demonstrating solidarity and a shared commitment to regional peace and the realization of Palestinian statehood.
