THE Middle East has witnessed alarming developments in recent months with Israel’s aggression expanding beyond Gaza to Lebanon and even Iranian territory. This troubling escalation underscored the urgent need for the Muslim Ummah to unite, formulate a coherent strategy and take concrete actions to address the rising threats in the region. The extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, convened in response to the deepening crisis, represented a critical step toward solidarity and a renewed commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and confronting Israel’s growing belligerence.
The communiqué issued by the summit called for urgent international intervention, urging countries to halt arms transfers to Israel and to support a diplomatic initiative. Such a united stand is not merely symbolic but is a clarion call for concrete actions to rein in Israel’s policies and ensure the protection of Palestinian rights. Among the most significant moments of the summit was the speech delivered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His statement calling on Israel to respect the sovereignty of Iran and refrain from aggression against Iranian soil was a powerful reminder of the unity and collective will within the Muslim world. In a region beset by divisions, the Saudi Crown Prince’s words stood as a beacon of solidarity, signalling that the Muslim Ummah, despite its differences, could come together to safeguard common interests and defend regional peace. The Crown Prince’s leadership in this moment of crisis is commendable. This clarity of vision and determination to act is exactly what is needed to address the multifaceted challenges facing the region today. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also consistently championed the cause of Palestine on the global stage. While words of support and solidarity are important, the time for action is now. The Muslim Ummah must move beyond expressions of concern and take concrete steps to get stopped Israel’s ongoing aggression. Countries with diplomatic and trade ties with Israel must take immediate measures to sever these relations until Israel ceases its violent actions and adheres to international norms.
