At the recent Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit held on December 1st, 2024, in Kuwait, leaders from the Gulf states joined forces to urgently call for the cessation of Israeli military actions against Gaza, solidifying their stance on the Palestinian issue during these challenging times. This year marks over 422 days since the onset of violent conflicts which have led to severe humanitarian crises, drawing international attention and responses.
The GCC’s declaration, presented by Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi, unmistakably condemned what they characterized as ‘genocide’ against the Palestinian people. Al-Budaiwi highlighted the need for immediate actions to halt the killing and displacements occurring as part of the Israeli offensive, which has inflicted substantial damage on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
The summit noted with concern the staggering loss of life: at least 44,429 Palestinians have died and more than 105,250 have been injured since the escalation began. These numbers serve as a grim reminder of the human cost of the conflict, prompting the GCC leaders to explore diplomatic solutions and reaffirm their commitment to the Palestinian cause.
The council also recognized and praised the diplomatic efforts of various states, particularly Qatar’s initiatives aimed at mediations for ceasefires and detainee exchanges. They expressed their support for the resolutions passed during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit, held just weeks prior, which sought to advance peace talks and reinforce the two-state solution concept, envisioning East Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state.
Specifically addressing the situation in Lebanon, the GCC leaders condemned Israeli military actions there and cautioned against the potential for these actions to escalate conflicts across the region. They welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreed upon previously, considering it pivotal to establishing peace and allowing displaced individuals to return to their homes.
Meanwhile, the looming internal challenges faced by Lebanon, such as political divisions and economic instability, were also acknowledged. The GCC leaders emphasized Lebanon’s significant role within Arab culture and Arab security and called for collaborative efforts to address these issues comprehensively.
Efforts were also spotlighted with regards to Yemen, where leaders commended the peacebuilding attempts being made by Saudi Arabia and Oman as they work to revive political dialogue among the various parties involved. The GCC reiterated its commitment to peaceful settlements and respect for state sovereignty throughout the region.
Overall, the summit’s conclusions extended beyond immediate conflict resolution strategies. The GCC leaders committed to promoting sustainable economic development and advancing digital transformation within their nations. They underscored the urgency of fostering energy market stability and addressing climate change, demonstrating a unified approach to contemporary global challenges.
The declaration established the GCC nations’ goal of becoming pivotal players on the international stage, capable of effectively confronting crises both locally and abroad. They expressed intentions to nurture and promote the role of Gulf women and youth, emphasizing their importance for the future.
Crucially, the summit illuminated the significance of digital advancement as it pertains to economic growth. The GCC has invested substantially in fast communication technologies, positioning itself as a leader potentially transforming the regional economy through innovations spanning artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Establishing unified digital markets was cited as integral to enhancing global competitiveness among member states.
With these discussions and declarations, the 45th GCC Summit concluded with plans to convene again in Abu Dhabi, pledging continued collaboration among its member states. The GCC’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue and their vision for economic and political cooperation reflect deep-seated concerns about both regional stability and the pursuit of peace.
