Riyadh, November 12, 2024 – The Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh issued a call for a United Nations Security Council resolution mandating an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating urgent humanitarian aid access. The summit also urged countries supplying arms to Israel to cease support immediately.
Hosted by the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the summit addressed escalating hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli attacks. The summit’s communique emphasized: “We call on all nations to ban the export or transfer of weapons and ammunition to Israel.” It urged countries to join an initiative led by Türkiye and a core group of 18 nations, with 52 signatories, the OIC, and the Arab League, appealing to the UN Security Council, UN General Assembly President, and UN Secretary-General to end arms provisions to Israel.
Summit participants commended efforts by Egypt and Qatar, in cooperation with the United States, toward achieving a swift and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, while holding Israel accountable for “backtracking on agreements.” They reaffirmed their support for Palestine’s sovereignty over East Jerusalem, rejecting any Israeli actions aimed at altering the city’s Arab and Islamic character, and declaring East Jerusalem a “red line” for Arab and Islamic nations.
The summit expressed alarm over the potential for further regional escalation, noting ongoing Israeli hostilities in Lebanon and encroachments on the sovereignty of Iraq, Syria, and Iran. The communique called for decisive international measures to prevent further destabilization.
Reaffirming support for Lebanon’s security and sovereignty, the summit condemned recent attacks on the Lebanese army, civilians, and UN peacekeeping forces. It also denounced Israel’s policy of collective punishment in Gaza, including blockades and starvation tactics, describing these actions as “shocking and horrific crimes” and calling for an independent international investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
The communique emphasized the importance of stability and security for Lebanon, condemning regional violence and affirming solidarity with Arab and Islamic identity in East Jerusalem while defending the sanctity of its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
