Doha, October 5, 2024 — In response to escalating military tensions in the Middle East, the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened for its 45th extraordinary meeting on October 2, 2024, in Doha, Qatar. Chaired by Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, the meeting brought together key ministers from GCC member states to discuss urgent regional developments.
Among those in attendance were Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud; UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Almarar; Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani; and representatives from Oman and Kuwait, alongside the GCC Secretary General, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
The council reviewed critical developments affecting the region's security and stability, focusing on the ongoing crises in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, the serious violations in the West Bank, and threats to the Al Aqsa Mosque. In a strong statement, the council condemned the escalation of violence in these territories, warning that such actions not only threaten regional peace but could have far-reaching implications for international stability.
Emphasizing the urgent need for action, the council called upon all parties involved in the escalation to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue over violence. They urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining peace and security while adhering to international resolutions pertaining to the region.
With regard to Lebanon, the council reaffirmed its support for the Lebanese people during this challenging period and called for intensified efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to alleviate civilian suffering. The GCC reiterated the importance of respecting Lebanon's territorial integrity and political independence, urging adherence to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement to restore lasting stability.
The council also underscored the joint ministerial statement issued on September 25, 2024, by several nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, which advocated for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along Lebanon's southern border and pursued a diplomatic resolution to prevent regional conflict.
In addressing the situation in Palestine, the GCC expressed unwavering support for the Palestinian people, condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. They called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, and the unconditional release of hostages. The council emphasized the importance of facilitating humanitarian aid delivery to residents in accordance with international law.
Highlighting previous statements from leaders including Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt, and President Joseph Biden of the United States, the council reiterated the necessity of a ceasefire and resuming negotiations for a peaceful resolution.
The council also recognized the role of the GCC countries in fostering international cooperation to de-escalate tensions, enhance security, and ensure maritime safety in the region. They called on the UN Security Council to implement its resolutions aimed at establishing a complete ceasefire in Gaza, facilitating the safe return of civilians, and distributing humanitarian aid.
Further, the Ministerial Council supported the efforts of the Saudi-led Ministerial Committee, established during an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit, to mobilize international backing for Palestine’s recognition and full UN membership. They welcomed recent international meetings aimed at supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
The council reaffirmed the Palestinian issue's centrality, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative. They urged all nations to recognize the State of Palestine fully and condemned Israel's ongoing occupation.
Concluding the meeting, the Ministerial Council reiterated its concern over rising tensions in the region and their implications for global peace and security. They stressed the importance of de-escalation, exercising maximum restraint, and preventing further instability that could lead to war and destruction, adversely affecting the peoples of the region and beyond.