Arab and Islamic leaders convened on Monday for an extraordinary summit in Riyadh, where they collectively condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling them as “genocide” and “crimes against humanity.” The summit attendees, representing the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), released a joint statement demanding Israel’s suspension from the United Nations and the full international recognition of the Palestinian state as a UN member.
This unprecedented gathering of leaders marked one of the most severe criticisms of Israel’s actions by the Arab and Islamic world in recent history. They emphasized the urgent need for action, mobilizing international support against Israel’s current offensive in Gaza, calling for a global arms embargo, and urging the UN to intervene on behalf of the Palestinian people.
At the summit’s closing, leaders declared their commitment to securing international backing to suspend Israel’s involvement in the UN General Assembly and its associated bodies. They stated that Israel’s military actions in Gaza, described as “unprovoked attacks leading to civilian massacres,” constitute violations of international law and human rights. The representatives from Arab and Islamic nations voiced an urgent plea for global attention and action, aiming to isolate Israel on the world stage until it ceases its ongoing operations in Gaza.
“Israel’s policies not only violate international standards but have brought untold suffering to the Palestinian people,” read the statement. “The time has come for the global community to hold Israel accountable and to enforce punitive measures until an end to the occupation and violence is achieved.”
Arab and Islamic leaders stressed that Israel’s UN membership privileges should be reevaluated, citing that Israel’s actions “contradict the founding principles of the United Nations, including the commitment to peace, human rights, and security.”
The Riyadh summit included a strong call to grant Palestine full membership in the United Nations, underscoring the need for enhanced recognition and rights for Palestinians. Delegates argued that such a step would provide the Palestinian government with a stronger platform to represent the interests of Palestinians internationally.
“It is time for the international community to recognize the State of Palestine as a full-fledged member of the United Nations,” they asserted. Leaders affirmed their dedication to garnering international support and enlisting allies to help fulfill this goal.
In one of the summit’s more significant resolutions, the Arab and Islamic leaders collectively called on countries around the world to impose an arms embargo on Israel, underscoring that military support from various nations has “empowered Israel to maintain and intensify its aggression.” The summit also urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate steps to curb Israel’s policies in Gaza, Lebanon, and other occupied territories.
The summit appealed for a UNSC resolution that would “obligate Israel to halt its illegal policies that threaten regional peace and stability.” This would include the cessation of settlements in the occupied West Bank, the lifting of blockades, and an immediate end to the Gaza bombardment.
The summit extended its condemnation beyond Gaza, denouncing Israel’s ongoing military actions in southern Lebanon. Leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, where recent escalations have resulted in significant civilian casualties. They noted the urgent need for intervention, emphasizing that further conflicts could destabilize Lebanon and create a “catastrophic humanitarian crisis” in the region.
“Israel’s expansion of its military campaign to Lebanon demonstrates a dangerous escalation,” stated one official. “We demand an immediate end to the violence in Lebanon, as it threatens the stability of an already fragile nation.”
The Arab and Islamic leaders accused the Israeli military of committing “genocide” in Gaza, pointing to what they described as “horrific and shocking crimes” against Palestinian civilians. They also highlighted reports of mass graves, forced disappearances, field executions, and widespread looting in northern Gaza, describing these acts as tantamount to ethnic cleansing.
“These reports, if verified, indicate a pattern of systematic violence against a population that constitutes grave breaches of international humanitarian law,” read the joint declaration. Leaders called for an independent international investigation into alleged war crimes and human rights abuses, aiming to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The summit placed significant emphasis on the international community’s role in providing protection and support for Palestinians. They urged for the deployment of international observers and the establishment of protected humanitarian corridors in Gaza to ensure the safe passage of civilians. Arab and Islamic leaders called on international organizations to provide comprehensive assistance to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians under siege.
A key part of this plea was for the international community to assist in the rebuilding of Palestinian infrastructure, which has been severely damaged during the latest round of violence. Leaders highlighted the importance of rebuilding efforts in ensuring Palestinians’ ability to achieve self-determination and national unity.
At the summit, leaders reiterated their commitment to Palestinian sovereignty over East Jerusalem, reaffirming that the city is the “eternal capital of Palestine.” This assertion aligns with the long-standing position of the Arab and Islamic world, which considers East Jerusalem’s status as non-negotiable. They further emphasized that “Al-Aqsa Mosque is a red line” and that any actions compromising Islamic or Christian sanctities in Jerusalem would not be tolerated.
The delegates accused Israel of taking “hostile measures” aimed at altering the religious and historical identity of Jerusalem’s sacred sites. In their statement, they called on the global community to actively prevent Israel from continuing these alleged alterations and demanded international monitoring to ensure the preservation of Jerusalem’s unique religious heritage.
The summit concluded with a call for Palestinian unity, urging all Palestinian factions to overcome their divisions and work towards a cohesive national agenda. Leaders emphasized that unity among Palestinian political groups is essential for effectively addressing Israel’s military actions and pursuing statehood.
“It is only through unity that the Palestinian people can fulfill their aspirations and effectively advocate for their rights on the international stage,” stated one of the summit’s closing speakers. Leaders expressed hope that a united Palestinian government could better address the pressing needs of citizens in Gaza and the West Bank.
