Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has praised the launch of the International Coalition for a Two-State Solution, expressing hope that the initiative will help grant the Palestinian people their legitimate rights to establish an independent state and live in peace and security. The statement was made during his speech at a ministerial meeting titled ‘The Situation in Gaza and Implementing the Two-State Solution as a Path to Just Peace’ on September 26, 2024, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Context and Background
The meeting was organized by the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union, and Norway at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached one of its most severe levels in modern history. Albudaiwi emphasized the GCC’s commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at alleviating the immense suffering of the Palestinian people, who face severe shortages of essential supplies, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of innocent lives, the majority of whom are women and children.
The GCC Secretary General called for decisive action from the international community in light of ongoing crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza. ‘These actions represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, and those responsible for these violations must be held accountable,’ he stated.
Key Diplomatic Efforts
During his address, Albudaiwi commended the ministerial committee formed by the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit for its significant diplomatic efforts in garnering international support for a ceasefire, ending the Israeli aggression in Gaza, and enhancing recognition of the Palestinian state while ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid. He expressed gratitude to all countries that have recognized the State of Palestine, urging other nations to take this step to affirm their commitment to international justice and support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
The GCC Secretary General renewed the GCC’s call for an international conference that includes all relevant parties to end the occupation and ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. ‘This solution is the only way to achieve peace and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis,’ he emphasized.
Regional and International Implications
Albudaiwi pointed out that the continued expansion of Israeli settlements and repeated violations of Islamic holy sites, particularly Al Aqsa Mosque, exacerbate tensions in the region. ‘These practices not only threaten the prospects for peace but also constitute violations of international law, complicating the path toward a two-state solution, which remains the only viable option for achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace,’ he said.
The launch of the International Coalition for a Two-State Solution represents a significant step in international diplomacy, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address one of the most enduring conflicts in the Middle East. The coalition aims to build on growing international recognition of a Palestinian state and to advance concrete measures toward a negotiated settlement.
Vision 2030 Alignment
In concluding his speech, Albudaiwi asserted that the time has come to turn words into actions, and the international community has a moral and legal obligation to take decisive steps, not only to provide immediate relief to Gaza but also to ensure a just and lasting peace. ‘The GCC stands ready to cooperate with all parties to achieve these goals,’ he said. This commitment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes regional stability, humanitarian leadership, and active diplomatic engagement as cornerstones of the Kingdom’s foreign policy. By supporting initiatives that promote peace and security, Saudi Arabia and the GCC reinforce their role as key contributors to global stability and the realization of the two-state solution.
20 Questions
Q1. Who praised the International Coalition for a Two-State Solution?
A1. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised the launch of the coalition during a UN General Assembly meeting.
Q2. What is the goal of the International Coalition for a Two-State Solution?
A2. The coalition aims to help grant the Palestinian people their legitimate rights to establish an independent state and live in peace and security.
Q3. When and where did Albudaiwi make his statement?
A3. He made the statement on September 26, 2024, at a ministerial meeting in New York alongside the UN General Assembly.
Q4. Which organizations co-organized the ministerial meeting?
A4. The meeting was organized by the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union, and Norway.
Q5. What did Albudaiwi say about the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
A5. He noted that the situation in Gaza has reached one of the most severe humanitarian crises of the modern era, with severe shortages and loss of life.
Q6. How did Albudaiwi describe Israeli actions in Gaza?
A6. He called them a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and called for accountability.
Q7. What did the GCC Secretary General commend about the ministerial committee?
A7. He commended its diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, end Israeli aggression, and enhance recognition of a Palestinian state.
Q8. Did Albudaiwi thank countries that recognized Palestine?
A8. Yes, he expressed gratitude and urged other nations to recognize Palestine to support self-determination.
Q9. What conference did the GCC call for?
A9. The GCC called for an international conference with all relevant parties to end the occupation and establish a Palestinian state.
Q10. What borders did Albudaiwi reference for a Palestinian state?
A10. He referenced the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Q11. Why is the two-state solution important according to Albudaiwi?
A11. He described it as the only way to achieve peace and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Q12. How did Albudaiwi view Israeli settlement expansion?
A12. He said it exacerbates tensions and violates international law, complicating peace prospects.
Q13. What holy site did Albudaiwi specifically mention?
A13. He mentioned Al Aqsa Mosque, where repeated violations threaten peace.
Q14. What is the role of the International Coalition for a Two-State Solution?
A14. It mobilizes international support for a negotiated solution and helps build global consensus.
Q15. How does this initiative align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
A15. It supports regional stability, humanitarian leadership, and active diplomacy, key Vision 2030 pillars.
Q16. What action did Albudaiwi say the international community must take?
A16. He said it must turn words into action and take decisive steps for immediate relief and lasting peace.
Q17. Is the GCC willing to cooperate with other parties?
A17. Yes, Albudaiwi stated the GCC stands ready to cooperate with all parties to achieve peace.
Q18. What victims did Albudaiwi highlight in Gaza?
A18. He highlighted that the majority of victims are women and children, with infrastructure destroyed.
Q19. What does the coalition enable for the Palestinian people?
A19. It helps grant them legitimate rights to self-determination and establishment of an independent state.
Q20. What message did Albudaiwi send about peace?
A20. He emphasized that peace requires justice, ending occupation, and respecting international law for all parties.
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