At a summit in Saudi Arabia on Monday, the heads of state of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation unanimously called for Israel’s total withdrawal from the territories occupied since 1967, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Heights. of Syrian Golan. . “A just and comprehensive peace in the region […] It cannot be achieved without ending the Israeli occupation,” says the final declaration of the summit, which is based on United Nations resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Plan. They also reaffirmed their support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state .
For its part, Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is firmly against the creation of a Palestinian state. “This is not a realistic project today,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, arguing that such a state would become a “Hamas state.” However, Israel’s position goes against the aspirations of the majority of the international community, which favors the two-state solution.
Condemnation of the actions of the Israeli army
Summit participants also “strongly condemned” the actions of the Israeli army, which they described as a “crime of genocide.” […] particularly in the northern Gaza Strip in recent weeks,” where the Israeli army has been carrying out an offensive since October 6. They called on the international community to “ban the export or transfer of weapons and ammunition to Israel” and condemned “the continued attacks by the Israeli authorities […] against the UN.
“The world is waiting” for the future Trump administration to “immediately” end the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said in Riyadh. He described the assassinations of Palestinian leaders of Hamas in Tehran in July and of Lebanese Hezbollah in late September near Beirut as “organized terrorism” by Israel. At the same time, Hezbollah announced that it was “ready for a long war”, while the Israeli army ruled out any ceasefire without the “capitulation” of the Lebanese Islamist movement.
Heating between Iran and Saudi Arabia
In a context of regional conflict, this summit also highlighted a strategic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, after seven years of tensions. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Iran a “sister republic” as he called on Israel to “refrain from attacking” its neighbor. Iran, an ally of Hezbollah and Hamas, has denounced Israel’s targeted killings of Palestinian and Lebanese leaders as “organized terrorism.”
Saudi Arabia, seeking to extricate itself from the conflict in Yemen, nevertheless condemns Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Despite discussions about a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, tensions remain high, with Israel conditioning any agreement on the complete neutralization of Hezbollah.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Kassem, Regional Politics Expert
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and welcome to our special coverage of recent developments in the Middle East. Today, we are joined by Dr. Sarah Kassem, an expert in regional politics, to discuss the outcomes of the recent summit held in Saudi Arabia among leaders of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Dr. Kassem, thank you for being here.
Dr. Kassem: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these critical issues.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The summit concluded with a strong call for Israel’s withdrawal from territories occupied since 1967. How significant is this unanimous sentiment among the Arab nations?
Dr. Kassem: It’s a pivotal moment indeed. The consolidation of voices from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation signifies a shared commitment to Palestinian rights and a rejection of the status quo. Their emphasis on a just and comprehensive peace, as articulated in the final declaration, reflects a growing urgency in the region. This sentiment hasn’t just been echoed in rhetoric; it bases itself on established frameworks like United Nations resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Plan.
Editor: You mentioned the 2002 Arab Peace Plan. For those who may not be familiar, can you briefly outline what this plan proposes?
Dr. Kassem: Certainly! The 2002 Arab Peace Plan is a proposal that calls for Israel’s withdrawal from all territories occupied in the 1967 war in exchange for normalized relations between Arab states and Israel. It envisions a sovereign Palestinian state and has been seen as a foundation for peace negotiations. While it has not been implemented, it remains a significant point of reference for discussions about a two-state solution.
Editor: On the other hand, there’s the perspective from Israel, particularly from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, stating that a Palestinian state is not a realistic prospect. How does this position clash with the views expressed at the summit?
Dr. Kassem: This divergence is crucial. Israel’s stance, articulated by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, suggests that the creation of a Palestinian state might lead to a governance that does not align with Israel’s security interests, particularly with Hamas in power. However, this perspective is increasingly isolated on the international stage, where a majority advocates for the two-state solution as the framework for peace. The summit’s stance directly challenges Netanyahu’s narrative and presents a unified front from Arab nations, further complicating Israel’s diplomatic position.
Editor: The summit also condemned the actions of the Israeli army, describing them as “crimes of genocide.” What implications does such strong language have for international relations in the region?
Dr. Kassem: This kind of language is very significant. It elevates the discourse around accountability and justice for Palestinians, potentially galvanizing international public opinion against Israeli military actions. By labeling these actions so vehemently, the Arab leaders are underscoring the moral and legal dimensions of the conflict. Such declarations might not immediately change on-ground realities, but they strengthen the case for international oversight and could lead to increased diplomatic pressure on Israel.
Editor: In light of these developments, what do you see as the next steps for both the Arab nations and Israel moving forward?
Dr. Kassem: The immediate future may be characterized by increased tensions, especially if military actions continue and the humanitarian situation worsens in places like Gaza. For Arab nations, maintaining unity and leveraging international platforms will be essential to push for their demands. Israel, facing intensified scrutiny, may need to reassess its long-term strategy regarding the Palestinians and its relations with neighboring Arab states. Ultimately, a constructive dialogue is desperately needed, but the path to achieving it is fraught with challenges.
Editor: Dr. Kassem, thank you for your insights on this complex and evolving situation. It’s clear that the consequences of these discussions will resonate far beyond the borders of the region.
Dr. Kassem: Thank you for having me; it’s a vital topic that deserves ongoing attention.
Editor: And thanks to our audience for tuning in. Stay with us for more updates on this developing story.