Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah led the Kingdom’s delegation at the Cairo Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza, held in the Arab Republic of Egypt on December 2, 2024. In his address, Prince Faisal highlighted the grave risks of a full-scale war stemming from the ongoing escalation and regional expansion of the conflict, emphasizing that the humanitarian crisis in Palestine has reached unbearable levels.
Context and Background
The Cairo Ministerial Conference convened regional and international stakeholders to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over the past months, the situation has deteriorated dramatically, with nearly 44,000 Palestinians reported killed, over 100,000 injured, and approximately 350,000 living in catastrophic conditions. The conference aimed to coordinate efforts to deliver aid and de-escalate tensions, reflecting the urgent need for a unified international response.
Key Details
Prince Faisal condemned the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, highlighting the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and policies of repression, siege, and forced displacement affecting nearly two million people. He stressed that the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and actions altering the legal and historical status of Jerusalem directly violate international law and undermine the two-state solution. The minister called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and urged all parties to act responsibly to protect lives and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid delivery. He also warned that the Israeli Knesset’s law prohibiting UNRWA from operating in Israel would have catastrophic consequences for the West Bank and Gaza.
International Implications
Prince Faisal emphasized that the crisis in Gaza represents a critical test for the international system. He urged activating accountability mechanisms and ending the policy of impunity and double standards. The minister reiterated the importance of adhering to UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2735 on a ceasefire and Resolution 2334 halting Israeli settlements. He also stressed the need to recognize the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, calling this essential for regional security and the credibility of the international order.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s leadership in organizing humanitarian aid and advocating for stability aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of promoting regional peace and global cooperation. The Kingdom has provided over SAR500 million in aid and delivered more than 6,600 tons of humanitarian supplies, including food, medical equipment, and ambulances, to Gaza. By championing diplomatic solutions and the two-state framework, Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in fostering long-term stability and prosperity in the region.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the purpose of the Cairo Ministerial Conference?
A1. The conference aimed to enhance the humanitarian response in Gaza, addressing the severe crisis and coordinating international efforts to deliver aid and de-escalate tensions in the region.
Q2. Who led the Saudi delegation at the conference?
A2. Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the Cairo Ministerial Conference.
Q3. What did Prince Faisal warn about regarding the conflict?
A3. He warned that the escalation and regional expansion of the conflict could lead to a full-scale war that would be very difficult to contain.
Q4. How many Palestinians have been killed according to Prince Faisal?
A4. Prince Faisal stated that nearly 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Q5. What did the minister say about humanitarian conditions?
A5. He described the humanitarian crisis as unbearable, with about 350,000 people living in catastrophic and inhumane conditions.
Q6. Which groups did Prince Faisal say were being targeted?
A6. He highlighted that massacres were targeting children, women, and the elderly in Gaza.
Q7. What did Prince Faisal say about infrastructure in Gaza?
A7. He noted that the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza is part of the ongoing suffering caused by the conflict.
Q8. How did the minister describe Israeli policies regarding Palestinians?
A8. He pointed to policies of repression, siege, and forced displacement affecting nearly two million people.
Q9. What is the two-state solution according to Prince Faisal?
A9. It is a framework for peace based on establishing an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Q10. What did Prince Faisal say about illegal settlements?
A10. He stressed that the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank is a direct violation of international law.
Q11. Did the minister call for a ceasefire?
A11. Yes, he reiterated the importance of an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Q12. What did Prince Faisal urge regarding accountability?
A12. He called for activating accountability mechanisms and ending the policy of impunity and double standards.
Q13. How did the minister address humanitarian aid?
A13. He urged all parties to ensure unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.
Q14. What did Prince Faisal say about UNRWA?
A14. He warned that the Israeli Knesset’s law banning UNRWA activities in Israel would have catastrophic consequences for the West Bank and Gaza.
Q15. How much aid has Saudi Arabia provided to Gaza?
A15. The total value of Saudi programs and projects in Gaza has exceeded SAR500 million since the crisis began.
Q16. What type of aid has Saudi Arabia delivered?
A16. The Kingdom has delivered over 6,600 tons of aid, including food, shelter supplies, medicines, medical equipment, and ambulances.
Q17. What did Prince Faisal say about the international system?
A17. He stated that the situation in Gaza is the most significant test for the international system’s credibility.
Q18. Did the minister mention any specific UN resolutions?
A18. Yes, he emphasized Security Council Resolution 2735 on the ceasefire and Resolution 2334 on halting illegal settlements.
Q19. Who else attended the conference from Saudi Arabia?
A19. Advisor to the Royal Court Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh Al-Husseini, and Director General Abdulrahman AlDawood attended.
Q20. How does this conference align with Saudi Arabia’s goals?
A20. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting regional stability, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic leadership in the Middle East.
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