In the face of escalating violence and dire hardships faced by the Palestinian people, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a beacon of hope, actively championing their rights and well-being. The Kingdom is actively involved in diplomatic initiatives and international engagement, playing a pivotal role in addressing the crisis and pursuing a peaceful resolution.
At the forefront of these efforts stands Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman (MBS). Since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, he has engaged in dialogue with various regional leaders through telephone conversations, emphasizing the critical need to protect civilian lives and uphold international humanitarian law.
During these discussions with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman reiterated the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering a just and dignified existence for all Palestinians. He also reached out to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, during which both leaders stressed the urgent necessity of halting war crimes against Palestine.
Saudi Arabia’s proactive engagement with international and regional stakeholders to de-escalate the crisis and promote peace aligns with the aspirations of the Muslim Ummah, which cannot stand idly by when innocent and oppressed Palestinian people suffer. By raising its voice forcefully, the Kingdom has reaffirmed its position as a leader within the Islamic world. It is a well-known fact that Muslims around the world look to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when they face predicaments.
Saudi Arabia has consistently advocated for a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, firmly asserting that there is no alternative to the two-state solution. Despite growing pessimism around this option, Saudi efforts are focused on reigniting hope in the two-state solution and positioning it at the forefront of international discussions.
In a notable development, Saudi Arabia, which chairs the current session of the Islamic Summit and the Executive Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has invited the Organization’s Executive Committee to convene an urgent open-ended extraordinary meeting at the ministerial level in Jeddah on Wednesday. The purpose of this meeting is to address the escalating military situation in Gaza and its environs, along with the deteriorating conditions that imperil the lives of civilians and the overall security and stability of the region. Expectations are high that this extraordinary session will yield a concrete plan of action that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the Muslim Ummah concerning this ongoing conflict.
As Saudi Arabia takes a leading role in advocating for peace and stability in the Middle East, it is crucial for other significant capitals, particularly Washington, to approach the matter responsibly. The Saudi call for global engagement to end hostilities in the Middle East must not go unnoticed but should be holistically pursued to halt the current bloodshed. Rather than supporting the oppressor and providing it with military equipment to further the suffering of the already oppressed, a responsible approach would be to promote diplomatic solutions, humanitarian aid, and peace negotiations.
The United States holds substantial influence over Israel, and leveraging this influence in a responsible and constructive manner is crucial to de-escalate the situation and support the pursuit of a just and lasting peace. Encouraging dialogue, negotiation, and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution can contribute to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The United Nations has already issued warnings of potential ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians. It is imperative to act decisively, rising above any expediency, to prevent such a scenario, as the consequences would be dire for global peace and security. Muslims worldwide stand in complete solidarity with the Palestinian people, and if Western countries allow the massacre of Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli government, it could intensify anti-Western sentiments in the Muslim world.
