Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman condemned the “genocide” in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip and Lebanon, during his speech at the summit of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. “We call on the international community to assume its responsibilities… by immediately ending Israel’s attacks on our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon,” said the crown prince, who accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza Strip. Mohammed Bin Salman then asked Israel to respect Iran’s sovereignty and refrain from attacking its territory.
Erdogan with Bin Salman: ”Muslim unity to stop Israel”
During the meeting with Bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that “the unity and solidarity of Muslim countries is important to stop Israel’s attacks on Palestine and Lebanon”. According to reports from the presidency of the Republic of Ankara, Erdogan recalled that Turkey has launched an initiative at the United Nations regarding the embargo on the sale of arms to Israel during the meeting with Bin Salman, which took place on the sidelines of the joint. the summit of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the situation in Gaza and Lebanon held in Riyadh. During the meeting, “President Erdogan emphasized the importance of the decisions and actions that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation must take to stop the Israeli aggression”, reports Ankara.
also read
Israel, Katz: no ceasefire in Lebanon until targets
Time.news Interview: Analyzing Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Call for Action
Editor: Welcome to the Time.news interview series. Today, we’re diving into one of the most pressing geopolitical topics of our time—Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s recent condemnation of violence in Gaza and calls for an immediate ceasefire. We have with us Dr. Amina al-Fahim, a renowned expert in Middle Eastern politics and international relations. Thank you for joining us, Dr. al-Fahim.
Dr. al-Fahim: Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s start with the crown prince’s strong language. He referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide.” What impact do you think this labeling might have on international reactions?
Dr. al-Fahim: This is a significant escalation in rhetoric. By using the term “genocide,” Mohammed Bin Salman is not only rallying international attention but also seeking to mobilize support among Arab and Muslim countries. It sets a moral precedent and could lead to increased diplomatic pressure on Israel, particularly from nations that have historically been less vocal about these issues.
Editor: During the summit with Turkish President Erdogan, the emphasis was on Muslim unity to halt Israel’s actions. How do you see Turkey’s involvement reshaping the dynamics in the region?
Dr. al-Fahim: Turkey’s involvement is crucial. Erdogan’s push for Muslim unity signifies a strategic shift towards a more cohesive response among predominantly Muslim nations. If they can act collectively, there may be more significant economic and political repercussions for Israel. However, the challenge lies in the diversity of interests within the Muslim world—some nations may hesitate to align fully against Israel due to their individual political agendas.
Editor: The Crown Prince called for respecting Iran’s sovereignty as well. How does Iran fit into this equation, especially given the complex relationships in the region?
Dr. al-Fahim: Iran is a pivotal player in this scenario. The Crown Prince’s acknowledgment of Iranian sovereignty hints at a desire to lessen tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, particularly when both nations have a stake in the conflicts involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. There’s a delicate balancing act here—Saudi Arabia wants to condemn Israel without aggravating its relationship with Iran, especially when they are both grappling with internal and external pressures.
Editor: As a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), what role do you think this body can play moving forward, especially after Erdogan’s push for action against Israel’s military aggression?
Dr. al-Fahim: The OIC has the potential to be a powerful platform, but its effectiveness has often been hampered by internal disputes and differing priorities among its member states. Erdogan’s initiative for an arms embargo is a step in the right direction, but translating that into concrete action will require consensus-building among countries that have varying degrees of relationships with Israel. If they can focus on collective action, they might be able to wield significant influence.
Editor: Given the sensitive nature of these discussions, how do you anticipate the international community, particularly Western nations, will respond to these developments?
Dr. al-Fahim: Western countries, particularly those with strong ties to Israel, will be cautious. They often advocate for human rights and cessation of violence, but they also prioritize stability in the region. There might be a mix of denunciation of violence and calls for de-escalation without a clear stance on the accusations of genocide. It will be critical for these countries to engage with both Israel and Palestine in a way that encourages dialogue rather than deepening divides.
Editor: with the tension rising, what do you foresee in the near future for both Israel and Palestine in light of these developments from Saudi Arabia and Turkey?
Dr. al-Fahim: The situation remains highly volatile. If Saudi Arabia and Turkey can unite their voices effectively, it could spark a renewed dialogue among Arab states about Palestine. However, unless there is genuine willingness from Israel to address the underlying issues, including the conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, we may see continued unrest. It will require sustained international focus to foster dialogue and bring about a lasting peace.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Amina al-Fahim, for your insights today. This situation remains fluid, and it’s crucial to follow how these developments unfold both in regional politics and international diplomacy.
Dr. al-Fahim: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss such important issues.
Editor: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more in-depth analyses at Time.news as we continue to cover the evolving dynamics in the region.