Arab-Islamic Summit Declares East Jerusalem Red Line
Rehan Khan
Islamabad: In a powerful display of Arab and Islamic unity, the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit, held recently in Riyadh, sent a resounding message to the world on the ongoing Palestinian crisis.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, speaking on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, condemned Israel’s actions as ‘genocide,’ affecting over 150,000 Palestinians, including women and children.
The summit, convened against the backdrop of rising tensions, not only reaffirmed the region’s unwavering support for Palestine but also laid out a collective roadmap for securing peace in the Middle East.
The summit’s primary focus was on the Palestinian cause, particularly the urgency of a two-state solution, which remains the cornerstone of regional peace efforts.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasized that this two-state solution is not just a political goal, but a moral imperative that aligns with the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
“The status of East Jerusalem is a red line,” declared the Crown Prince, highlighting the significance of protecting the city’s Arab and Islamic heritage against Israeli encroachment. This sentiment was echoed throughout the summit, with a unanimous call for global action to halt Israel’s aggressive military operations in Palestine, Lebanon, and beyond.
A Call for Global Action
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed that the only viable path to lasting peace lies in the creation of a Palestinian state. He urged immediate international action to de-escalate the violence, ease humanitarian aid restrictions, and apply pressure on Israel to cease its aggressive actions.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, condemned Israel’s violence in Palestine and Lebanon, describing it as ‘atrocities’ and ‘genocide.’
He emphasized the urgency of enforcing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735, which calls for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. Taha’s words were a clarion call for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.
Uniting for Palestinian Rights
In a landmark development, the OIC, the Arab League, and the African Union Commission signed a joint agreement at the summit to intensify efforts in support of the Palestinian cause. This unprecedented pact marks a new phase of diplomatic and humanitarian coordination, reinforcing a united front among Arab, Islamic, and African nations in advocating for Palestinian rights on the global stage.
The agreement will drive a coordinated strategy to push for a two-state solution, address human rights violations, and mobilize support for Palestine at the United Nations. It also underscores the importance of international sanctions against Israel and calls for the suspension of its participation in the UN. Most notably, the resolution called for full UN membership for Palestine, a long-awaited step in the quest for international recognition and legitimacy.
Standing Strong for Justice
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit highlighted the region’s concern that Israel’s actions are designed to dismantle Palestinian society, particularly through forced displacement in Gaza. He warned that this strategy threatens to erase the prospect of a future Palestinian state, thus undermining the possibility of peace in the region.
“We stand united in our demand for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Aboul Gheit affirmed, adding that Israel’s bombings in Lebanon and Gaza have not only claimed innocent lives but also exacerbated existing regional crises.
The summit urged for an immediate ceasefire and called for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 to ensure Lebanon’s sovereignty and regional stability.
A Vision for Peace
The summit concluded with a strong resolution, reaffirming Arab, Islamic, and African nations’ commitment to Palestinian self-determination.
The resolution condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, while emphasizing the right of Palestinian refugees to return under UN Resolution 194. It also welcomed the tripartite cooperation mechanism between the OIC, Arab League, and African Union, designed to amplify global advocacy for Palestinian rights.
The summit’s unified stance sent a clear message: East Jerusalem, the heart of the Palestinian cause, is a red line for Arab and Islamic nations, and its defense is non-negotiable. As the region faces growing challenges, the call for peace based on justice, respect for human rights, and adherence to international law has never been more urgent.
In this historic moment, the Arab-Islamic Summit reaffirmed its commitment to the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, a future free from occupation, and a peace that respects the dignity of all.
