Riyadh: The Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit is underway in Riyadh amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which has been under siege for 14 months due to ongoing conflict. The summit is convened to address the increasing violence by Israeli occupation forces, which has resulted in over 43,603 Palestinian fatalities, primarily women and children, and more than 102,929 injuries. Thousands remain trapped under debris, as medical and civil defense operations are severely hindered.
According to Qatar News Agency, the summit coincides with escalating violence extending into Lebanon, threatening regional stability. Israeli forces have intensified military actions in northern Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and the use of starvation as a tactic, contravening international laws and humanitarian principles. The actions have led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations and human rights organizations calling for immediate relief efforts and ceasefire.
United Nations Secr
etary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the dire humanitarian situation, urging for a ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian aid. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has identified a potential famine situation in northern Gaza due to blocked aid and goods, highlighting the severe living conditions under an imposed siege. The international community has been urged to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration.
The World Food Programme has issued a warning about the significant risk of famine, stressing the need for immediate international intervention. UN Commissioner Volker Turk has criticized the disregard for established wartime rules, which has exacerbated human suffering in Gaza. The current crisis underlines the necessity for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and to establish long-term peace in the region.
The summit aims to unify Arab and Islamic nations in halting the aggression, protecting civilians, and supporting Palestinian and Lebanese people. Leaders are seeking to pre
ssure the international community to address the conflict decisively and find sustainable solutions for regional stability. The summit underscores the urgent need to lift the siege on Gaza and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid.
The leaders at the summit are expected to call on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to enforce a ceasefire and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The summit represents a unified message of support for the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples, reaffirming their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.