In the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict, nine Arab nations came together on October 26 to issue a joint statement that condemns the targeting of civilians and violations of international law in Gaza. These Arab countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
BREAKING: Nine Arab countries – Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – issue joint statement condemning the targeting of civilians and violations of international law in Gaza, adding that self-defence does not justify neglecting the…
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) October 26, 2023
The foreign ministers of these nations expressed their concerns regarding the situation, particularly emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. They acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense, especially in the aftermath of a significant attack by Hamas militants on October 7. However, they firmly stated that this right to self-defense should not be used to justify the neglect of Palestinian rights.
The ministers’ statement makes it clear that the right to self-defense should not be a pretext for blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian principles. Furthermore, the deliberate disregard for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people is strongly criticized.
One of the central issues that the Arab countries addressed is the targeting of civilians in Gaza. Deliberate acts that result in civilian casualties are condemned as a clear violation of international norms. They also expressed their condemnation of actions like forced displacement and collective punishment in Gaza.
Additionally, the ministers underscored the fact that the prolonged conflict and the lack of a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis have led to recurring acts of violence and continued suffering for both Palestinian and Israeli populations. The protracted conflict has far-reaching implications, not only for the immediate region but also for the global community.
One of the key points emphasized in the joint statement is the need for a two-state solution. The Arab nations have called for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, contiguous, and viable Palestinian state, which would be based on the pre-June 4, 1967, borders. They assert that East Jerusalem should serve as its capital.
These pre-June 4, 1967, borders refer to the territories held by Israel and the neighboring Arab states before the Six-Day War. These territories include the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which were captured by Israel during the war. The Arab nations stress the importance of defining these borders as a part of any sustainable solution.
The joint statement represents the united stance of these Arab countries in addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. It reflects their concern for the well-being of both Palestinian and Israeli populations and their commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to this long-standing crisis.
In a related development, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, warned during a United Nations General Assembly meeting that if Israel’s military actions in Gaza persist, the United States may not be immune to the consequences. Amirabdollahian explicitly stated that while Iran does not welcome an expansion of the conflict in the region, continued violence and what he referred to as “genocide in Gaza” could have broader implications. This underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for international efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The statement by the Arab nations and Iran’s warning reflect the ongoing international concern about the situation in the region. The call for a two-state solution and the condemnation of civilian targeting and violations of international law highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
