In a significant diplomatic move, a seven-member delegation representing Arab and Islamic nations, carefully selected in Riyadh, is scheduled to visit key nations, including India, as part of a comprehensive initiative to address the escalating crisis in Gaza. The delegation comprises the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Palestine, Indonesia, and the General Secretary of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
While the specific date of their visit to India is yet to be finalized, the primary objective of this diplomatic mission is to engage with officials from all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (P5) – namely the United States, Russia, China, France, and Britain. Their overarching goal is to seek support in persuading Israel to cease hostilities in Gaza and work towards a sustainable peace.
This diplomatic endeavor follows an extraordinary joint Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023. The ministers participating in the delegation plan to deliberate on urgent measures to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, initiate a genuine political process, and address pressing humanitarian concerns.
The delegation’s journey commenced with a visit to Beijing, where they met with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi. During the meeting, they called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged the delivery of humanitarian aid. China, despite its growing economic ties with Israel, affirmed its support for Arab and Islamic countries, emphasizing its commitment to the just cause of the Palestinian people.
The delegation then proceeded to Moscow, where they engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both parties acknowledged the urgent necessity of establishing a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, with an emphasis on the protection of civilians, humanitarian corridors, hostage release, and evacuation efforts.
In their interactions with Chinese and Russian officials, the delegation consistently stressed the need for a comprehensive political solution based on United Nations decisions and the Arab Peace Initiative. They condemned terrorism while advocating against the indiscriminate use of force on civilian targets.
The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal, highlighted that a ceasefire is a prerequisite for discussing Gaza’s future, emphasizing the importance of ending violence against civilians and civilian areas. The ministers also rejected the use of self-defense as a pretext for the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza.
As the delegation prepares to include India in its diplomatic outreach, the international community watches closely, hopeful for constructive dialogue that contributes to a lasting resolution in the troubled region.
