Saudi-Led Ministerial Committee Meets UN Chief on Gaza

Members of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza, chaired by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly high-level week, aiming to intensify Arab and Islamic diplomatic action in support of the Palestinian cause and to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Context and Background

The Ministerial Committee was established following the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit held in Riyadh in November 2023, convened under the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its mandate is to mobilize international support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the protection of civilians, and advance the two-state solution. The committee comprises foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, Türkiye, and Indonesia, along with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This meeting with the UN Secretary-General underscores the committee’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its efforts to amplify the voice of the Arab and Islamic world at the United Nations.

Key Details

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani; His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine; His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Ayman Al-Safadi; His Excellency Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt; His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain; His Excellency Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye; Her Excellency Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia; His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; and His Excellency Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The committee discussed the dangerous developments in the Gaza Strip, condemned the continued military escalation against unarmed civilians, and called for an immediate and complete ceasefire. They expressed appreciation for the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, particularly his positions on protecting civilians and providing humanitarian assistance. The committee also emphasized the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in all humanitarian response operations in Gaza, warning against systematic campaigns to undermine its work. They stressed the need to hold the Israeli occupation accountable for violations of international law and to ensure the security of relief corridors for delivering sufficient and urgent humanitarian aid. Furthermore, the committee unequivocally rejected all forms of forced displacement and stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law.

Implications and Impact

This high-level meeting signals a coordinated push by Arab and Islamic nations to translate diplomatic consensus into concrete action at the United Nations. By engaging directly with the UN Secretary-General during the General Assembly’s high-level week, the committee aims to leverage the global platform to advocate for Palestinian statehood and to mobilize international pressure for a ceasefire. The discussions also highlight the critical role of UNRWA, whose funding and operations are vital for millions of Palestinian refugees. The committee’s unified stance against forced displacement and its call for accountability reinforce the importance of international law in resolving the conflict. The outcome of these efforts could influence upcoming UN resolutions and shape the international community’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leadership of this ministerial committee reflects its unwavering commitment to regional stability and its proactive role in international diplomacy, core pillars of Vision 2030. Under the guidance of His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Arabia continues to champion peaceful resolutions and humanitarian causes, aligning with the Vision’s objectives of fostering global partnerships and enhancing the Kingdom’s stature as a responsible global leader. This meeting underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to upholding international law and supporting the rights of the Palestinian people, further solidifying its position as a key player in shaping a more stable and prosperous Middle East.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the meeting between the Ministerial Committee and the UN Secretary-General?

A1. The meeting aimed to intensify Arab and Islamic diplomatic action during the UN General Assembly to support recognition of a Palestinian state and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Q2. Who chaired the Ministerial Committee meeting?

A2. His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, chaired the meeting.

Q3. When and where did the meeting take place?

A3. The meeting occurred on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in New York, on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly high-level week.

Q4. Which countries were represented in the committee meeting?

A4. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, Türkiye, and Indonesia were represented, along with the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Q5. What did the committee discuss regarding Gaza?

A5. They discussed the dangerous developments, condemned military escalation against civilians, and called for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians under international humanitarian law.

Q6. How did the committee express support for UNRWA?

A6. The committee stressed UNRWA’s indispensable role in humanitarian response and warned against campaigns to undermine its work, urging support for its aid delivery.

Q7. What did the committee say about forced displacement?

A7. The committee unequivocally rejected all forms of forced displacement and emphasized adherence to international law to confront such operations.

Q8. What is the significance of the meeting being held during the UN General Assembly?

A8. It leverages the global platform to advocate for Palestinian statehood and mobilize international pressure for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.

Q9. How did the committee view the role of UN Secretary-General António Guterres?

A9. They appreciated his efforts and courageous positions during the crisis, especially regarding civilian protection and humanitarian assistance.

Q10. What did the committee call for regarding relief corridors?

A10. They stressed the need for serious steps to ensure secure relief corridors for delivering sufficient humanitarian, food, and medical aid to Gaza.

Q11. What violations did the committee highlight?

A11. They highlighted flagrant violations by Israeli forces against Palestinians, including obstruction of aid and violations in Gaza and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

Q12. What unified position did Arab and Islamic countries reiterate?

A12. They reiterated their rejection of continued aggression against the Palestinian people and called for an immediate and complete ceasefire.

Q13. Which Saudi official led the committee’s efforts?

A13. His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the committee’s efforts.

Q14. What is the committee’s stance on international law?

A14. The committee stressed the importance of adhering to international law and international humanitarian law and holding violators accountable.

Q15. How does this meeting align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A15. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional stability, global diplomacy, and humanitarian causes, enhancing its role as a responsible global leader.

Q16. What did the committee discuss about UNRWA’s funding?

A16. They discussed the importance of countering campaigns to undermine UNRWA and supporting it to ensure delivery of assistance to those in need.

Q17. What was the committee’s message regarding Palestinian rights?

A17. The committee called for ensuring Palestinian rights to an independent, sovereign state along June 4, 1967 lines, with occupied Jerusalem as its capital.

Q18. Which other officials attended the meeting?

A18. Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers from Qatar, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, Türkiye, Indonesia, and heads of the Arab League and OIC attended.

Q19. What did the committee express about the humanitarian situation in Gaza?

A19. They expressed deep concern over the humanitarian tragedy, exacerbated by violations and obstruction of urgent aid into the besieged Gaza Strip.

Q20. What is the next step for the committee’s efforts?

A20. The committee will continue to mobilize international support for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution through diplomatic engagements.

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