Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 19, 2025 – Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has expressed strong support for the recent announcement of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. In a statement released by the GCC, Albudaiwi welcomed the historic development, highlighting the hope that the ceasefire will serve as a turning point in restoring security and peace to the region. He emphasized that this agreement holds significant promise not only for ending the immediate violence but also for facilitating the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza's residents, ensuring the return of displaced individuals to their homes, and stabilizing the region for the long term.
Albudaiwi did not shy away from addressing the severe consequences of the conflict, particularly the devastating toll that the war waged by Israel on the Gaza Strip has taken on its population. He lamented the tragic loss of tens of thousands of civilian lives, the widespread destruction of infrastructure, and the unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the ongoing violence. The scale of suffering in Gaza, according to Albudaiwi, underscores the urgent need for sustained peace efforts and international intervention to prevent further devastation.
Furthermore, Albudaiwi took the opportunity to commend the critical role played by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in facilitating the ceasefire agreement. He recognized their diplomatic efforts and tireless work in engaging all relevant parties to broker a deal that would pave the way for a much-needed reduction in hostilities and open a path toward peace. The successful mediation efforts of these nations were described as instrumental in achieving this important breakthrough, reflecting their ongoing commitment to regional stability and humanitarian relief.
In his statement, Albudaiwi also reaffirmed the GCC's unwavering stance on the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the organization's long-standing support for the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people. He reiterated the GCC's firm commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Albudaiwi further emphasized the importance of ensuring the rights of Palestinian refugees, a critical aspect of the broader peace process. The GCC’s position aligns with international efforts aimed at achieving a fair and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that respects the rights of all parties involved and ensures a lasting peace in the region.
The statement from the GCC Secretary-General marks a moment of cautious optimism, as the ceasefire agreement offers a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Albudaiwi’s words reinforce the importance of sustained international collaboration to bring about lasting peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East, and to uphold the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people in the pursuit of a just and lasting solution.