Riyadh, 11/11/2023 (MAP) – His Majesty King Mohammed VI, delivered a poignant address to the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The speech, read out by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, emphasized the urgent need for global intervention to address the escalating crisis in the Gaza Strip.
In the wake of continuing armed conflict in Gaza, resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives and widespread devastation, HM King Mohammed VI expressed deep concern over the blatant violation of international law and human values. The King, also Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, called for a collective awakening of the international community’s conscience to halt the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region.
The royal speech outlined four critical priorities:
- Urgent De-escalation and Ceasefire: The immediate need for a tangible de-escalation and a permanent, verifiable ceasefire to halt the ongoing military attacks.
- Protection of Civilians: Ensuring the protection of civilians, preventing their targeting, and upholding international law and humanitarian principles.
- Humanitarian Aid Delivery: Facilitating the steady delivery of humanitarian aid in sufficient quantities to the inhabitants of Gaza.
- Political Settlement: Paving the way for a political settlement of the Palestinian question, reviving the two-state solution agreed upon by the international community.
HM King Mohammed VI highlighted the unprecedented crisis exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing aggression and the alarming silence of the international community. The King stressed the importance of historical responsibility and underscored key facts, including the necessity of genuine peace in the region, an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the strengthening of the Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen.
The speech concluded with a call for collective action to stop the aggression against Al-Quds Al-Sharif and prevent provocations that harm the sentiments of more than a billion Muslims. HM King Mohammed VI urged a commitment to reason and wisdom to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all nations for the security and stability of the affected peoples.
