Saudi Arabia and seven other countries warn of a collapse in the humanitarian situation in Gaza
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and seven other countries expressed their deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, given the ongoing military operations and the severe shortage of essential aid reaching the civilian population. This unified stance reflects the Arab, Islamic, and international consensus rejecting policies of starvation and collective punishment, and underscores the need to respect international humanitarian law.
Details of the joint diplomatic position
The statement issued by the ministers stressed that the continued closure of crossings and the obstruction of the entry of trucks carrying food, medicine, and fuel puts hundreds of thousands of Palestinians at risk of real famine and the spread of epidemics. The ministers called on the international community, particularly the Security Council, to take immediate and serious action to compel all parties to open safe and sustainable humanitarian corridors, ensuring the unimpeded flow of aid in quantities commensurate with the scale of the disaster in the Gaza Strip.
General context and worsening humanitarian crisis
This diplomatic move comes at a time when the Gaza Strip is experiencing widespread destruction of its infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water and sanitation facilities, as a result of months of relentless bombardment. UN reports indicate that the health system in the Strip has almost completely collapsed, making it difficult to treat the wounded or deal with infectious diseases that have begun to spread in overcrowded shelters. This situation is unprecedented in the region's recent history, demanding an urgent international response that goes beyond mere statements of concern to concrete action on the ground.
Saudi role and regional efforts
Saudi Arabia has been leading intensive diplomatic efforts since the outbreak of the crisis, building on the outcomes of the joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is working in coordination with his counterparts in brotherly and friendly nations to mobilize international public opinion to pressure for an immediate ceasefire. The Kingdom consistently affirms that military solutions will not bring security and stability to the region, and that a fundamental solution requires a serious political process.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
This statement is particularly significant given the weight of the participating countries, as it represents additional leverage on key international players to change their approach to the war in Gaza. Observers believe that a unified diplomatic stance among these countries strengthens the chances of achieving a long-term humanitarian truce and paves the way for reviving the peace process in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions, ultimately leading to a two-state solution that guarantees an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital—the only way to end the cycle of violence in the region.
