The joint Arab-Islamic Summit, hosted by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, stood as a testament to collective aspirations and shared anger coursing through the Muslim world in response to relentless Israeli atrocities on Palestinian territories especially Gaza. The summit, provided a platform for leaders to condemn barbaric actions of Israeli forces in Gaza, where death toll has surpassed 11,000, with majority being civilians, including a significant number of children.
The statements by Muslim leaders reflect unified stance against Israel’s actions. By holding Israeli authorities accountable for crimes committed against the Palestinian people, these leaders expressed sentiments of the entire Muslim world. The emphasis on violation of international humanitarian and human rights law underscores severity of the situation and urgent need for accountability. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has always supported the Palestinian cause, held Israeli authorities responsible for crimes committed against the people in Gaza. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on his first trip to Saudi Arabia since the two countries mended ties, went a step further by calling for designation of Israeli army as a terrorist organisation. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar in a strong statement denounced incessant and brutal Israeli aggression, emphasising that actions of Israeli occupation forces were in clear violation of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
The summit’s final declaration totally rejected Israeli claims of acting in self-defence and demanded that the United Nations Security Council adopt a decisive and binding resolution to halt Israel’s aggression. Furthermore, the declaration dismissed any prospective political resolution that would keep Gaza separate from Israeli-occupied West Bank, underscoring the unity of Muslim nations against the Israeli occupation. Given the gravity of situation, the voice of Muslim leaders must not go unnoticed, particularly on part of those nations supporting Israel. The responsibility now lies with the United Nations and major capitals to leverage their influence on Israel and compel it to cease its ongoing atrocities in Gaza. It is crucial to emphasise that there is no justification for indiscriminate violence unleashed on the Palestinian population. Even within Israel, dissenting voices are rising, with Jews joining protests against Israeli forces aggression.
The international community must take note of this and recognise that the outrage extends beyond religious or national lines, as it is a collective call for justice and an end to senseless violence. It is also time to go beyond rhetoric. Mere condemnation either from Muslim world or other quarters will not be enough especially if Israel goes ahead with its terror campaign. Muslim leaders will also have to agree on some punitive economic and political steps to teach the Jewish state a lesson. The Palestinian people are looking towards the Muslim world to come forward and save them from cruel Israeli hands. At the same time Israel must also recognise that pursuit of survival through violence and terror always boomerangs, as actions in Gaza have jeopardised diplomatic progress it was making, particularly in establishing relations with Muslim countries. The once-promising strides towards diplomatic ties are now eroding, with nations reconsidering their associations with the Jewish state. Some have even gone so far as to recall their ambassadors in response to heightened tensions. The critical point for Israel to grasp is that its existence is intricately tied to fostering peace and cooperation with Palestinians and other Muslim nations in the region. In this context, it is essential for Israel to abandon the path of violence and embrace a more constructive approach.
Meaningful dialogue with the Palestinian leadership is not just a diplomatic and strategic necessity but also a moral imperative. The long-term solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict demands a commitment to peaceful coexistence, built on mutual respect and understanding. Rather than isolating itself through aggressive actions, Israel should actively seek avenues for collaboration and cooperation. Furthermore, the international community must recognise that the Riyadh summit was not just a platform for rhetoric but a call to action. The urgent need for intervention to stop the bloodshed in Gaza and address broader Israel-Palestine conflict is paramount. The stakes are high, not just for the region but for principles of justice, humanity and peace that the international community purports to uphold.
