MBS demands immediate end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Lebanon
RIYADH: In his speech at the Arab Summit on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Israeli atrocities in Gaza as the war continues to make the lives of Gazans unlivable.
The PM said, “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a level beyond imagination as For over one year, the occupied Palestinian territories have fallen in endless darkness and despair as countless families have been devastated.”
He asked, how long humanity should shut its eyes with hospital blown up and even infants are not spared.
He said these atrocities have, rightfully, been labelled as genocide not just by the media but also by the International court.
“With every passing day, the premier continued, every moral code has been violated by Israel yet the killing has been ongoing without any end in sight.”
He added, How long will this annihilation be ignored? Israel has been emboldened by the inaction of international community.
He added, “Pakistan stands firm in its commitment to Palestine for its right to self-determination. We reiterate our unwavering support for an independent, viable and contiguous state of Palestine based on pre-1967 border.
On the recent Israeli aggression, the PM said, “Pakistan condemn Israel’s recent strike in Iran as they could lead to a major regional war. We stand in complete solidarity with the people of Lebanon against Israeli violence.
Mentioning a few tangible steps to secure peace in Gaza and hold Israel accountable, he said:
A – an immediate and unconditional ceasefire
B – an immediate arms embargo on Israel
C – Israel should lift its blockade so that aid reach civilians
D – Accountability for Israel war crimes
E – Comprehensive review of Israel UN membership
Earlier, the PM held a meeting with the Saudi Investment Minister Engr Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih and Advisor Royal Court Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri on the sidelines of the Arab Islamic Summit.
The meeting was held to follow-up on the recent engagements for economic cooperation between the two countries, a press release issued by the PM Office press wing said.
In the meeting, the prime minister appreciated the progress on major projects under discussion and acknowledged the efforts of the technical teams for their close cooperation to further strengthen economic partnership in diverse fields.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, condemning the actions as a “massacre” against the Palestinian and Lebanese people.
His remarks came during the opening of an Arab and Muslim leaders’ summit in Riyadh on Monday.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his outrage over Israel’s ongoing aggression, urging the international community to recognize the statehood of Palestine and to take decisive action to end the violence.
His call for an immediate ceasefire was echoed by prominent leaders from across the Arab and Muslim world, all of whom are gathered in Riyadh to discuss the escalating situation in Gaza and Lebanon.
“Israel’s actions are a massacre against the Palestinian and Lebanese people,” MBS declared, addressing the summit with urgency. “We call on Israel to immediately cease all acts of aggression and to respect the rights of the people in Gaza and Lebanon.”
The summit, attended by a wide range of regional leaders, underscored the urgency of the situation. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrived in Riyadh on Sunday evening to participate, while the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, also condemned Israel’s actions.
Aboul Gheit expressed that “words cannot fully capture the suffering of the Palestinian people,” highlighting the dire situation faced by civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the aggression in Gaza and Lebanon had spurred Arab and Islamic leaders to take urgent action.
“The key priorities for the summit include halting the aggression, protecting civilians, providing humanitarian support to the Palestinian and Lebanese people, unifying positions among Arab and Muslim states, and pressuring the international community to intervene and help end the violence,” the agency stated.
Among the leaders attending the summit was Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has long advocated for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Both leaders have strongly condemned Israel’s actions and are seeking greater international pressure to force an end to the conflict.
While Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian was unable to attend due to “executive matters,” a phone call between him and MBS confirmed that Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref would represent the country at the summit.
