Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Leads OIC Meeting on Palestinian Crisis

On behalf of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji participated in the extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah on August 7, 2024. The meeting, called to address escalating tensions in the region, underscored Saudi Arabia’s continued diplomatic leadership within the Islamic world and its commitment to fostering dialogue and adherence to international law.

Context and Background

The extraordinary session of the OIC Executive Committee was convened in response to recent serious developments in the Palestinian territories, including increased violence and actions that threaten regional stability. The meeting provided a platform for member states to coordinate a unified response and reaffirm collective principles under the OIC charter. Saudi Arabia’s participation, represented at the vice-ministerial level, highlights the Kingdom’s proactive role in shaping the organization’s agenda and promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts affecting the Muslim world.

Key Details

During his address, Vice Minister El-Khereiji reiterated the Kingdom’s firm and consistent position regarding the Palestinian cause. He stated that the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is fully aware of the severity of the escalating events due to what he described as blatant attacks and illegal practices by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people. He specifically condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the former Palestinian Prime Minister, during his visit to Tehran, calling it a flagrant violation of Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, and the United Nations Charter, and a direct threat to regional peace and security.

The Vice Minister also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, noting the large numbers of civilian casualties, shortages of essential supplies, and the collapse of health sectors. He renewed the Kingdom’s call for the international community to hold the Israeli occupation forces accountable for their actions and their negative impact on the peace process.

Implications and Impact

Saudi Arabia’s clear condemnation of attacks on civilians and its rejection of any violation of state sovereignty reinforces its role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East. By urging the international community to take effective action, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a key advocate for international law and multilateral diplomacy. The meeting’s outcome is expected to strengthen the OIC’s unified stance and amplify calls for a renewed peace process, directly affecting regional diplomatic dynamics and international efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This diplomatic engagement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to regional stability and responsible global leadership. A secure and peaceful region is essential for the economic diversification and social transformation envisioned under the reform plan. Through its principled positions and active participation in international organizations, Saudi Arabia continues to build its reputation as a reliable partner for peace, supporting efforts to achieve a comprehensive solution that enables the Palestinian people to establish their independent state, in line with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

20 Questions

Q1. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the OIC meeting?

A1. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji represented Saudi Arabia on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.

Q2. What was the main purpose of the OIC Executive Committee meeting?

A2. The meeting was an extraordinary session called to address escalating tensions and violence in the Palestinian territories and to coordinate a unified response among member states.

Q3. Where did the meeting take place?

A3. The meeting was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Q4. What specific event did Vice Minister El-Khereiji condemn?

A4. He condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the former Palestinian Prime Minister, during his visit to Tehran, calling it a violation of international law.

Q5. How did the Vice Minister describe the attacks on Palestinian civilians?

A5. He described them as blatant attacks and illegal practices by the Israeli occupation, resulting in large numbers of martyrs and wounded among civilians.

Q6. What is Saudi Arabia’s position on state sovereignty according to the speech?

A6. The Kingdom rejects any attack on the sovereignty of states or interference in their internal affairs, in line with international conventions and the OIC Charter.

Q7. What humanitarian concerns were raised by the Vice Minister?

A7. He highlighted shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, and the depletion of health sectors under the pressure of increasing patients and displaced civilians.

Q8. What did the Vice Minister call on the international community to do?

A8. He called on the international community to take effective action to hold the Israeli occupation forces fully responsible for their crimes and violations.

Q9. How does the Kingdom view the impact of these violations on peace efforts?

A9. The violations negatively affect the chances of reviving the peace process and a comprehensive solution for the Palestinian people.

Q10. What solution does Saudi Arabia support for the Palestinian issue?

A10. The Kingdom supports ending the occupation and reaching a solution enabling Palestinians to establish an independent state based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Q11. Who is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques?

A11. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia, whose government was referenced in the speech.

Q12. On what date did the OIC meeting occur?

A12. The extraordinary meeting of the OIC Executive Committee took place on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

Q13. What is the OIC?

A13. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an international organization consisting of 57 member states, aiming to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world.

Q14. What is the role of the OIC Executive Committee?

A14. The Executive Committee handles urgent matters and coordinates policies among member states on issues of common concern, such as regional conflicts.

Q15. Did the Vice Minister mention any other countries besides Iran and Palestine?

A15. Yes, he referenced the Israeli occupation forces and called on the broader international community to act, but focused mainly on the Palestinian territories and Iran.

Q16. What legal frameworks did the Vice Minister invoke?

A16. He invoked international law, the United Nations Charter, international conventions, and the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Q17. Why is Saudi Arabia’s participation in this meeting significant?

A17. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Islamic world and its commitment to promoting stability, peace, and adherence to international law in the region.

Q18. How does this meeting relate to Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy?

A18. It reflects the Kingdom’s consistent foreign policy of supporting the Palestinian cause, opposing violations of sovereignty, and advocating for peaceful resolutions.

Q19. What is the Arab Peace Initiative mentioned in the speech?

A19. The Arab Peace Initiative is a proposal endorsed by the Arab League in 2002, offering normalized relations with Israel in exchange for a full withdrawal from occupied territories.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of the OIC meeting?

A20. The meeting is expected to produce a unified OIC stance condemning violence and supporting diplomatic efforts, strengthening calls for a renewed peace process in the Middle East.

---