Muslim World League Welcomes Madrid Meeting’s Two-State Solution Commitment

The Muslim World League (MWL) has officially welcomed the statement issued by the Joint Ministerial Contact Group following its meeting in Madrid, which reaffirmed the international commitment to implementing a two-state solution as the fundamental path to achieving lasting peace and security in the region. The MWL’s endorsement, announced on September 14, 2024, through the Saudi Press Agency, highlights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued leadership in promoting diplomatic solutions grounded in international law and mutual respect.

Context and Background

The Madrid meeting brought together a broad coalition of nations and international organizations, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Qatar, Türkiye, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, the League of Arab States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The gathering underscored a unified stance against all forms of violence and terrorism while calling for a negotiated settlement based on the two-state solution, which envisions an independent State of Palestine coexisting peacefully alongside Israel. This initiative aligns with longstanding resolutions of the United Nations and reflects the collective desire of the international community to address the core issues of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Key Details from the MWL Statement

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, commended the group’s unwavering efforts to alleviate the hardships faced by the Palestinian people and to secure their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state. In his statement, Dr. Al-Issa emphasized the critical need to empower the Palestinian government to fulfill its responsibilities across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He also urged the international community to actively support the two-state solution, which includes broader recognition of the State of Palestine and its full membership in the United Nations. Furthermore, Dr. Al-Issa called for an immediate, unconditional, and unrestricted large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians by opening all crossings and supporting the work of UNRWA and other UN agencies.

International and Regional Implications

The MWL’s position carries significant weight given its role as a leading Islamic non-governmental organization representing over 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide. The organization’s call for all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law reinforces the importance of upholding the orders of the International Court of Justice. Dr. Al-Issa specifically highlighted the need to halt dangerous escalation in the West Bank, military attacks on Palestinians, and all illegal measures that undermine peace prospects, such as settlement activities, land confiscation, and the displacement of Palestinians. This statement aligns with broader international efforts, including those by the European and Arab participants in the Madrid meeting, to reinvigorate a political horizon for the peace process.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The MWL’s principled support for the two-state solution reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s consistent foreign policy under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, while primarily focused on economic diversification and social reform, also emphasizes the Kingdom’s role as a central pillar of regional stability and a promoter of peace. By backing initiatives like the Madrid meeting statement, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to a stable and prosperous Middle East—a key enabler for the broader goals of Vision 2030, including attracting international investment and fostering global partnerships. The continued advocacy for the two-state solution underscores that long-term peace and security are not only moral imperatives but also strategic priorities for the Kingdom’s future.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main outcome of the Madrid meeting?

A1. The Joint Ministerial Contact Group issued a statement emphasizing the commitment to implementing a two-state solution as the only way to establish peace and security in the region.

Q2. Which organization officially welcomed the Madrid meeting statement?

A2. The Muslim World League (MWL), represented by its Secretary General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, officially welcomed the statement, highlighting its alignment with Islamic principles of justice.

Q3. Which countries participated in the Madrid meeting?

A3. Participants included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Qatar, Türkiye, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, and representatives from the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Q4. Why is the two-state solution important according to the MWL?

A4. The MWL views the two-state solution as the fundamental path to achieving lasting peace, security, and the fulfillment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and Israel’s security.

Q5. What did Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa urge regarding the Palestinian government?

A5. He urged the international community to empower the Palestinian government to fulfill its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Q6. What humanitarian actions did the MWL call for?

A6. The MWL called for an immediate, unconditional, and unrestricted large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians by opening all crossings and supporting UN agencies.

Q7. How does the MWL position relate to international law?

A7. The MWL called for full compliance with international humanitarian law, including the implementation of orders from the International Court of Justice.

Q8. What illegal measures did the MWL condemn?

A8. The MWL condemned settlement activities, land confiscation, and the displacement of Palestinians as measures that undermine prospects for peace.

Q9. Who expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s efforts?

A9. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Q10. What is the role of the Muslim World League globally?

A10. The MWL is a leading Islamic organization representing over 1.5 billion Muslims, advocating for peace, dialogue, and the protection of Muslim communities worldwide.

Q11. Why did the Madrid meeting specifically focus on the two-state solution?

A11. The meeting focused on the two-state solution because it is widely recognized by the international community as the only viable framework to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Q12. What is the significance of mentioning East Jerusalem?

A12. East Jerusalem is a critical component of the two-state solution, as it is considered by the Palestinians as the capital of their future state, and its status remains a core issue in negotiations.

Q13. How does the MWL’s statement support UN efforts?

A13. The MWL called for wide recognition of the State of Palestine and its full UN membership, directly supporting the UN’s role in facilitating a just and lasting peace.

Q14. What does the statement say about violence?

A14. The Madrid meeting statement condemned all forms of violence and terrorism, urging all parties to cease military attacks and pursue peaceful dialogue.

Q15. How does Vision 2030 relate to Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy?

A15. Vision 2030 positions Saudi Arabia as a central hub for regional stability and global partnerships, making the pursuit of peace in the Middle East a strategic priority for the Kingdom.

Q16. What is the role of UNRWA according to the MWL?

A16. The MWL emphasized the need to support UNRWA and other UN agencies to ensure the effective delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees and affected populations.

Q17. Why is Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Madrid meeting notable?

A17. Saudi Arabia’s participation demonstrates its leadership in the Islamic world and its commitment to diplomatic solutions, aligning with its broader role as a mediator and peace promoter.

Q18. What does the term “dangerous escalation in the West Bank” refer to?

A18. It refers to increased military operations, settlement expansions, and violence that threaten the stability of the region and the viability of a future Palestinian state.

Q19. How did the MWL frame its support for the Madrid statement?

A19. The MWL framed its support as a principled stance based on Islamic values of justice, peace, and the protection of human rights, consistent with its global advocacy.

Q20. What is the next step after the Madrid meeting for the peace process?

A20. The statement encourages continued international coordination, broader recognition of Palestine, and renewed diplomatic efforts to implement a negotiated two-state solution.

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