Riyadh, April 30, 2024, HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, and HE Mr. Espen Barth Eide, the Foreign Minister of Norway, led a significant meeting on April 29, 2024, in Riyadh. The meeting brought together the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Developments in the Gaza Strip and European Foreign Ministers and representatives. The primary agenda was centered around urgent actions to cease hostilities in Gaza and advance towards implementing the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The meeting saw the participation of key stakeholders including Algeria, Bahrain, Belgium, Egypt, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, the League of Arab States, Palestine, Portugal, Qatar, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, highlighting the broad international concern and commitment to addressing the Gaza crisis and the larger conflict.
The discussions yielded a strong consensus on the imperative need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the cessation of the Gaza war, alongside a firm stance against any unilateral actions or violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, notably East Jerusalem. Emphasis was placed on addressing the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the conflict.
A significant focus of the meeting was on transitioning the conflict from military confrontation to a political track, crucial for realizing a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Concrete steps towards achieving a Palestinian State within the framework of the two-state solution were thoroughly discussed, with a heightened sense of urgency and a call for coordinated efforts among participating nations.
Particular attention was given to the recognition of a Palestinian State by countries that have yet to do so, examining the timing and conditions surrounding such recognition. The meeting stressed the importance of adhering to international law, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, to establish a credible and irreversible path towards peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the necessity of bolstering state-building efforts and extending support to the new Palestinian Government, emphasizing the significance of a unified Palestinian administration encompassing the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza. The ultimate goal remains achieving a just and lasting peace that safeguards the rights of Palestinians, ensures Israel's security, and fosters stability, cooperation, and normal relations across the region.
