Palestine top of agenda at Gulf summit
The Gulf Cooperation Council summit has opened in Kuwait, bringing together leaders from across the region.
Israel’s ongoing assault in Gaza will be a key discussion point. In his opening speech, Kuwaiti Emir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah called on the international community to implement “an immediate ceasefire [in Gaza] … and the arrival of urgent humanitarian aid”.
He denounced “the genocide committed against the Palestinian people” and hit out at what he characterised as the “double standards in the application of relevant international laws, charters and resolutions” when it comes to Israel.
Gulf leaders will also discuss ways to boost economic and trade relations.
UAE president, Saudi crown prince discuss Middle East developments
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) discussed the situation in the Middle East, emphasising the importance of a “two-state solution” in Israel-Palestine to achieve regional stability.
The discussion took place today in the UAE city of Al Ain, where MBS arrived for a private visit of unspecified duration, according to the official Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The discussions also explored “the enduring fraternal ties between the two countries and opportunities for further development under their special strategic partnership”.
The visit comes hours after the conclusion of the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit held in Kuwait, which called for an end to the Israeli genocide in Gaza and the resulting starvation, siege, and displacement of Palestinians.
German official says Israel has no excuses not to deliver aid to Gaza
German Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Tobias Linder says Israel has no excuse for hampering humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
Israel must “at last keep its promises to fluidify humanitarian aid into Gaza and to allow sufficient humanitarian access at any moment”, Lindner said in a statement published before his trip to Egypt.
“There is no excuse for that. Israel’s right to legitimate self-defence finds its limits in international humanitarian rights.”
Linder’s comment comes after UNRWA announced earlier today that it was suspending the delivery of aid to Gaza through a critical crossing point because the situation had become “impossible”.
Germany has offered nearly unqualified support for Israel over the course of its war on Gaza and has cracked down on supporters of Palestine.
Essay Pro