7In an extraordinary summit hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt delivered a powerful address, underscoring the urgent need for peace in a region besieged by conflict. Amidst complex geopolitical tensions and ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Lebanon, the summit convened as a critical platform for dialogue among Arab and Islamic leaders.
President El-Sisi began by expressing profound gratitude to Saudi Arabia for orchestrating the summit, acknowledging the backdrop of “unrelenting aggression” that has plagued Palestinian and Lebanese lands. He condemned the international community’s “shameful silence” in the face of these threats to global peace and security.
Highlighting the moral imperative for justice, President El-Sisi articulated a clear stance against the violence ravaging the region. “The future of the region and the world hangs in the balance,” he stated, emphasizing how these hostilities challenge the very essence of the global order.
El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s unwavering condemnation of the violence against civilians, particularly in Gaza. He affirmed Egypt’s commitment to resisting any attempts to undermine the Palestinian cause, whether through forced displacement or rendering the Gaza Strip uninhabitable.
El-Sisi called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, as a cornerstone for regional stability and peace. He also pledged Egypt’s support to Lebanon, particularly its military, in confronting ongoing aggression and called for the swift and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
In a parallel stance, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) reiterated the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the people of Palestine and Lebanon. He denounced Israel’s actions as “collective genocide” against the Palestinians and rejected the military operations targeting Lebanon. MBS urged the international community to uphold peace and security by halting Israeli aggression and respecting regional sovereignty.
The summit’s timing is critical as it coincides with increased military operations by Israel in both Gaza and Lebanon, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Tensions have escalated further with Israel’s intensified actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and ongoing hostilities with Iran.
Adding to the discourse, the Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for an immediate ceasefire and urged international intervention. Abbas emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting the suspension of Israel’s United Nations membership if violations continue.
In exclusive insights gathered at the summit, diplomatic sources revealed discussions centered around fostering stronger cooperation among Arab states to address these pressing conflicts. There were also talks of potential initiatives to bring international pressure to bear on resolving these crises.
Addressing a global audience, President El-Sisi reminded the world of Egypt’s historical role in advocating for peace in the Middle East. Despite current challenges, he remained hopeful for a future “defined by freedom, dignity, stability, and prosperity.”
As the summit progresses, leaders are expected to further deliberate on actionable strategies to ensure peace and security in the region. The hope is that this meeting could mark a turning point, inspiring a collective international effort to address these long standing issues and pave the way for a more just and secure future.
The summit not only serves as a crucial dialogue among leaders but also as a beacon of hope for many, resonating with calls for justice and peace for the generations to come.