Islamic ministers head to China in global effort to halt Gaza conflict

Saudi Gazette report

MANAMA — Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan announced that China will be the inaugural destination for the Islamic Ministerial Committee’s mission to exert international pressure aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Addressing reporters during the Manama Dialogue 2023, Prince Faisal revealed that ministers designated by Arab and Islamic leaders, following the recent summit in Riyadh, will embark on their journey to Beijing on Monday.

The Saudi foreign minister emphasized that following their visit to China, the committee will visit several capitals to convey a resounding message emphasizing the urgency of an immediate ceasefire and facilitating the entry of relief and humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“We must strive to swiftly resolve this crisis and put an end to the war being waged against Gaza,” stated Prince Faisal.

The extraordinary joint Arab-Islamic Summit issued a resolution tasking the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Palestine to initiate immediate international action on behalf of all member states of the OIC and the Arab League.

The goal is to formulate an international initiative to halt the war in Gaza and push for a genuine and serious political process, leading to permanent and comprehensive peace in accordance with established international references.

On the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue 2023, the Saudi Foreign Minister met with Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

During their meeting, they discussed the developments in Gaza and its surroundings. Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s rejection of the ongoing military escalation and violations by Israeli occupation forces against civilians.

He underscored the importance of halting the escalation and preventing the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Prince Faisal emphasized the urgency of establishing humanitarian corridors to assist children, women, and civilians in Gaza.

Additionally, he called on the international community to condemn the blatant violations of international humanitarian law committed by Israeli forces against the people in Gaza.

Furthermore, Prince Faisal met with the UK’s Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy, where they discussed the evolving military escalation in the Gaza Strip.

Both parties emphasized the importance of an immediate ceasefire and allowing humanitarian organizations to deliver urgent aid to Gaza.

The Saudi foreign minister reiterated the significance of the international community playing an active role in putting an end to the military escalation and preventing the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.