The European Union and six Gulf nations convened their inaugural summit on Wednesday. They discussed issues ranging from visas and trade to the escalating Middle East crisis. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman led Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the summit in Brussels.
Strengthening the EU-GCC Partnership
In a joint statement, leaders affirmed their commitment to the EU-GCC Strategic Partnership. They pledged to elevate the partnership to a higher level, emphasizing mutual respect and trust for the benefit of their regions and beyond.
Urgent Call for Ceasefire in Gaza
On Gaza, EU and Gulf leaders demanded an “immediate, full and complete ceasefire.” They also called for the release of hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, and unhindered humanitarian access. They stressed the need for safe and effective distribution of aid across Gaza for all civilians in need.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to the Two-State solution, advocating for peace between Israel and Palestine. They emphasized secure borders along the 1967 lines, in line with international law, UN resolutions, and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
Concerns Over West Bank and Lebanon
Expressing concern over Israeli military operations in the West Bank, they demanded an immediate halt. They condemned extremist settler violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. On Lebanon, they called for an “immediate ceasefire” and urged adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River.
Leaders condemned all attacks on UN missions, expressing grave concern over recent Israeli attacks on peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
GCC Secretary General’s Remarks
GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need to revive the peace process. He stressed establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders. He called for an immediate halt to hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza.
Albudaiwi also rejected the forced displacement of Gaza’s civilians, urging adherence to international law. He warned that the lack of a ceasefire could escalate tensions, spreading conflict into Lebanon.
Iran and Regional Stability
The summit’s statement urged Iran to pursue regional de-escalation. Leaders affirmed their determination that Iran must not develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
The leaders also demanded that Iran-backed Houthis stop attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They called for the release of crew members and avoidance of further escalatory actions that threaten global security.
