Arab, Muslim leaders at Riyadh Summit call for end to Israeli occupation for regional peace

Arab and Muslim leaders wrapped up a historic summit in Riyadh on Monday, unified in their demand for Israel to withdraw from all occupied Palestinian territories.

The summit, hosted by the Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation, symbolized a strong show of unity amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

In their closing statement, leaders called for Israel’s return to pre-1967 borders, referencing UN resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, Al Arabia reported.

They urged the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and requested an internationally sponsored roadmap to achieve this.

The statement condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling them as “horrific and shocking crimes” amounting to genocide, with over 43,600 Palestinian civilian casualties reported by the UN.

Hamas responded by calling for Arab and Muslim nations to back their words with concrete actions to end Israeli aggression.

Hamas emphasized the need for immediate measures to create an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, rejected the possibility of Palestinian statehood, deeming it unrealistic.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich pledged to pursue the annexation of parts of the West Bank by 2025.

The summit showcased the unified stance of Arab and Muslim leaders against Israel’s occupation, stressing a just solution to the Palestinian issue as essential for regional peace.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has also engaged in cross-border attacks with Israel, increasing tensions since the initial October 7 conflict.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israel’s actions as “genocide” and urged a ceasefire for both Palestine and Lebanon.

This landmark summit represents a critical moment of solidarity among Arab and Muslim leaders, underscoring their collective call for a peaceful and just solution to the Palestinian conflict. The unified demand for an end to Israel’s occupation highlights the urgency of the Palestinian issue as a central factor for lasting peace in the Middle East.

As leaders from across the region voice strong calls for change, the outcomes of this summit could shape future diplomatic efforts and influence international responses, pressing for concrete actions to resolve the long-standing conflict and address humanitarian concerns.

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