In an unprecedented diplomatic gathering in Delhi, ambassadors from multiple Arab nations united to emphasize India’s crucial role in promoting peace in the Middle East. This event, held ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, witnessed widespread participation from various Arab countries.
Chaired by Arab League Ambassador Yusuf Mohamed Jameel and hosted by Palestinian Ambassador Adnan Abu Al-Haija at the Palestinian Embassy’s Arafat-Indira Cultural Centre, the meeting underscored the collective Arab stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ambassadors from Tunisia, Syria, Bahrain, Lebanon, Morocco, Yemen, Jordan, Sudan, Oman, Libya, Egypt, Kuwait, Algeria, Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Djibouti participated, reflecting extensive regional support for the Palestinian cause.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Saleh Eid H Al-Husseini highlighted India’s significance in global politics, especially under its G20 presidency, emphasizing the country’s potential to contribute to peace and stability. He referred to the recent Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, which called for a ceasefire and an end to weapon exports to Israel.
“India is an important country. Expecting India to play a major role in supporting peace and stability in the global system. India holds the presidency of G20 and has a history of supporting peace and stability for the global system and this is expected to be continued,” said the Saudi Arabian envoy.
The joint statement issued after the Riyadh summit directed the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Palestine to initiate “international action” to stop the war on Gaza and launch serious political negotiations for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Palestinian Ambassador Adnan Abu Al-Haija depicted the dire situation of Palestinians, especially in Gaza and the West Bank, accusing Israeli authorities of aggressive actions leading to the escalation of the conflict.
Ambassadors from Egypt and Djibouti expressed support for a sovereign Palestinian state, urging India, with its considerable global influence, to advocate for a ceasefire and engage in the peace process.
This gathering of Arab envoys in Delhi signifies a unified stance on the Palestinian issue and a collective call for India to leverage its international standing to aid in resolving the ongoing conflict, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the Middle East/West Asia.
The meeting’s timing was crucial, right before November 29, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, coinciding with the UN General Assembly’s 1947 adoption of the resolution on the partition of Palestine. It serves as a reminder of the international community’s responsibility towards the Palestinian cause and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and statehood.