General Secretariat – New York
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), praised the launch of the International Coalition for a Two-State Solution, expressing hope that this coalition will help grant the Palestinian people their legitimate rights to establish their state and live in peace and security.
This statement was made during his speech at the ministerial meeting titled "The Situation in Gaza and Implementing the Two-State Solution as a Path to Just Peace," organised by the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union, and Norway, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.
His Excellency noted that holding this important event comes at an extremely critical time, as the situation in Gaza has reached one of the most severe humanitarian crises of our modern era. He emphasised the GCC's commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at alleviating the immense suffering of the Palestinian people.
He called for decisive action from the international community in light of the ongoing crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza, whose victims are the beleaguered Palestinian people, suffering from severe shortages of essential supplies, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of innocent lives, the majority of whom are women and children.
"These actions represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, and those responsible for these violations must be held accountable," His Excellency stated.
During his speech, he also commended the ministerial committee formed by the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit for its significant diplomatic efforts in garnering international support for a ceasefire, ending the Israeli aggression in Gaza, and enhancing recognition of the Palestinian state while ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to the most needy populations.
He expressed gratitude to all countries that have recognised the State of Palestine, urging other nations to take this step to affirm their commitment to international justice and support the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state.
Moreover, he renewed the GCC's call for an international conference that includes all relevant parties to end the occupation and ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasised that this solution is the only way to achieve peace and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis.
He pointed out that the international community must recognise that the continued expansion of Israeli settlements and repeated violations of Islamic holy sites, particularly Al Aqsa Mosque, exacerbate tensions in the region.
"These practices not only threaten the prospects for peace but also constitute violations of international law, complicating the path toward a two-state solution, which remains the only viable option for achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace," His Excellency said.
In conclusion, he asserted that the time has come to turn words into actions, and the international community has a moral and legal obligation to take decisive steps, not only to provide immediate relief to Gaza but also to ensure a just and lasting peace. "The GCC stands ready to cooperate with all parties to achieve these goals," he concluded.
