Arab Foreign ministers condemn targeting of civilians and ‘terrorism’ in Gaza

Agencies | Gaza                                                 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Foreign Ministers of nine Arab countries united in condemning the targeting of civilians and all acts of violence and terrorism in response to the ongoing escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

The Arab Foreign Ministers’s joint statement, issued on October 21 at the Cairo Peace Summit, expressed deep concern over the continued killing of innocent civilians and the flagrant violations of international law and humanitarian standards in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation called upon Member States and OIC institutions working in the humanitarian field and humanitarian organisations in the Muslim world to fast-track the delivery of urgent aid to the Palestinian people to assist them in weathering through humanitarian disaster wrought by the Israeli aggression against unarmed civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The foreign ministers from Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco denounced any violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, by any party involved in the conflict.

The joint statement specifically highlighted the rejection of forced displacement and collective punishment. It emphasised the grave violation of international humanitarian law and considered such actions as war crimes.

The ministers firmly rejected any attempts to undermine the Palestinian cause or displace the Palestinian people from their land. Furthermore, the ministers emphasised the need for full compliance with the 1949 Geneva Conventions, particularly in relation to the responsibilities of the occupying force.

They called for the immediate release of civilian hostages and detainees and stressed the importance of providing safe and humanitarian treatment for them in accordance with international law.

The role of the International Committee of the Red Cross in this regard was also emphasised. The joint statement reflects the growing anger among Arab countries towards Israel’s actions in Gaza. By uniting in their condemnation and calling for respect for international law, the foreign ministers aim to address the ongoing crisis and work towards a peaceful resolution.