The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned the ongoing escalation in Lebanon and Palestine, warning of severe consequences that could impact not only the region but also international peace and security. The GCC highlighted the need to protect regional stability and urged all involved parties to practice restraint, cease violence, and prioritize dialogue.
Extraordinary Meeting Held to Address Regional Crisis
In response to the rising military tensions in the Middle East, the GCC held its 45th extraordinary ministerial meeting on Wednesday in Doha. The council reviewed the growing threats to security in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank, as well as concerns over the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other religious sites. The GCC expressed its support for the people of Lebanon and called for increased international and regional efforts to provide urgent humanitarian aid to Lebanon, aiming to reduce the suffering of civilians and prevent the spread of conflict.
Lebanon and Security Council Resolution 1701
Regarding Lebanon, the GCC reiterated its call for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, along with other relevant international resolutions and the Taif Agreement, to ensure lasting security and stability in Lebanon. The council emphasized the need to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity, political independence, and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.
The council also reaffirmed the joint ministerial statement made on September 25, 2024, by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United States, and other countries, calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along Lebanon’s southern border, and urging a diplomatic settlement to prevent regional war.
Solidarity with Palestine
The GCC expressed its solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the Israeli attacks on Gaza and the West Bank. The council demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, and the release of hostages and detainees. It stressed the importance of reopening all crossings unconditionally to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and basic needs to the people of Gaza, in line with international law and humanitarian principles.
The GCC also called on the United Nations Security Council to implement Resolutions 2735, 2712, and 2720, which call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, safe distribution of humanitarian aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The council welcomed the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution on September 18, 2024, to end the “illegal presence in occupied Palestinian territories” and expressed support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.
Call for De-escalation to Avoid Catastrophic Consequences
The meeting concluded with the GCC ministers reiterating the serious consequences of escalating violence for regional and international peace and security. The council called for all parties to de-escalate tensions, exercise maximum restraint, and work towards avoiding further instability and conflict in the region.
