Arab and Muslim leaders differences display amid OIC Summit Nov.11.
The most recent Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit specifically addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict was held on November 17-18, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The summit was convened in response to Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip, which began on November 11, 2023.
The summit resulted in a joint statement which condemned Israel’s actions and called for an immediate ceasefire. The statement also called for the lifting of the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip and for the establishment of an international protection force in the Gaza Strip.
The OIC has held a number of other summits and meetings to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict, but the November 2023 summit was the most recent to be held specifically on this issue.
Arab and Muslim leaders gather in Riyadh to discuss Israel’s assault on Gaza
The Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held a joint summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss Israel’s recent assault on Gaza. The summit was dominated by calls for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted provision of humanitarian aid, and a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hypocrisy and fundamental policy differences highlighted
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has waged a brutal war against his own people, attended the summit. This raised concerns about the Arab states’ efforts to reduce regional tensions without addressing underlying issues.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi emphasized Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah, two groups that are viewed with suspicion by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He also called for a Palestinian state from “the river to the sea,” which would replace the State of Israel.
Limited options for Arab and Muslim leaders
Arab and Muslim leaders are facing increasing pressure from their own people to take action against Israel. However, their options are limited due to their reliance on US support and their fear of further destabilizing the region.
The summit’s statement
The summit’s final communique called for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, it did not provide any concrete resolution on how to achieve this goal.
All eyes on the UN Security Council
The UN Security Council is expected to meet in the coming days to discuss the situation in Gaza. The draft resolution that will be considered focuses on the plight of children, who reportedly account for half of all casualties in Gaza.
The importance of US pressure
Arab and Muslim leaders are hoping that US President Joe Biden will use his influence to pressure Israel to end its assault on Gaza.
The potential for change
Israel’s military campaign may inadvertently bring about the changes that Arab and Muslim leaders are unable to achieve on their own.
Conclusion
The summit in Riyadh highlighted the challenges faced by Arab and Muslim leaders in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While there is a growing desire for action, the path forward is unclear.
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