Gulf Cooperation: Israeli occupation of Palestine, Gaza violations are at the heart of escalating regional crises.

In a compelling statement during the Alpbach Forum 2024 in Austria, part of the United Nations – Austria initiative on “Multilateral Partnerships: Enhancing Cooperation,” Jassim Mohammed Al-Badiwi, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), pinpointed the Israeli occupation of Palestine and ongoing violations in Gaza as the fundamental causes of escalating crises in the region. Al-Badiwi urged the international community to adopt a decisive stance to confront the occupation and hold it accountable for its continuous breaches.

Advocating for Peace and International Cooperation

Al-Badiwi reiterated the GCC’s call for an international conference involving all relevant parties to discuss ways to end the Israeli occupation and support the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, within the 1967 borders. He also emphasized the need to reform and bolster the role of the United Nations and its agencies in maintaining international peace and security, highlighting the importance of collective support for the UN to navigate these challenging times and adhere to global governance principles.

The Path to Regional and International Security

The Secretary-General warned of new threats to regional and international security, underlining the significance of diplomatic solutions to prevent conflicts. He clarified that GCC states continue to support peaceful resolutions to disputes, with recent council initiatives aimed at fostering conditions conducive to negotiations, affirming international law, and upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. Al-Badiwi confirmed the GCC’s ongoing commitment to providing humanitarian aid.

This announcement underscores the GCC’s active role in seeking peaceful solutions to the region’s conflicts and highlights the importance of multilateral cooperation and adherence to international laws and norms to ensure regional stability and security.

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