Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza

Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza
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Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza

Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will gather in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday December 5 for the GCC’s 44th Supreme Council Summit.

Gulf leaders will deliberate on a range of issues, with a primary focus on enhancing political, security, and economic coordination among member states of the GCC.

The summit’s proceedings are heavily overshadowed by the ongoing tragic events in Gaza.

Gulf nations, condemning the Israeli war on civilian populations in Gaza, are actively pursuing efforts to halt the conflict and initiate a political process that brings an end to the occupation, enabling the Palestinian people to establish their independent state.

Since the commencement of the Israeli military operations in Gaza on Oct. 7, the toll has been devastating, resulting in the deaths of 15,523 individuals, predominantly children and women, with another 41,316 individuals sustaining injuries and thousands reported missing.

These alarming statistics are according to the latest data released by health authorities in Gaza.

On the eve of the GCC’s 44th Supreme Council Summit, Qatar announced progress in mediating efforts between Israel and Hamas, aiming to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

Participating in the Tuesday Summit is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Ambassador of Turkiye to Qatar Mustafa Goksu stated in media remarks that Erdoğan will engage in the GCC leaders’ summit during his visit to Qatar, and will also participate in the ninth session of the High Strategic Committee between Turkiye and Qatar.

Erdogan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday discussed the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza.

“During the meeting, the latest developments in Israel’s Gaza massacre, efforts for a cease-fire and permanent peace, and steps taken and to be taken to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza were discussed,” said a statement from Turkiye’s Communications Directorate.

In other news, a Turkish diplomatic source cited by the Russian news agency Sputnik confirmed that the conflict resolution communication group for Gaza is set to engage in negotiations with the US administration this week.

Although the source expected negotiations by the communication group to take place in the US this week, they declined to comment on the expectations from the talks.

This development follows the formation of a communication group on Gaza by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar.

The group was established after the joint summit between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League in Riyadh on Nov. 11. The group has conducted negotiations in Beijing, Moscow, London, and Paris.



How Saudi Arabia Contributes to Global Hunger Relief Efforts

Saudi food aid reaches those in need in Chad (SPA)
Saudi food aid reaches those in need in Chad (SPA)
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How Saudi Arabia Contributes to Global Hunger Relief Efforts

Saudi food aid reaches those in need in Chad (SPA)
Saudi food aid reaches those in need in Chad (SPA)

Following the global economic crisis of 1973 and its aftermath, Saudi Arabia provided a $50 million grant to the World Food Program (WFP) between 1975 and 1976 to support its food aid projects for those affected by the crisis.
This contribution marked the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing role as a generous supporter of the WFP, a partnership that has spanned half a century.
This historical support underscores Saudi Arabia's continued efforts to combat global hunger, a challenge that now impacts 343 million people worldwide.
Saudi support on the international stage has been extensive, either through direct assistance or coordination with the WFP, reaching numerous countries and continents. The partnership between Saudi Arabia and the WFP has been regarded by observers as a key model in the fight against hunger.
Recently, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating hunger by signing a new five-year cooperation agreement between the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the WFP, paving the way for a new chapter of potential projects.
The joint cooperation program adopts a multi-faceted approach to address humanitarian challenges in emergencies, capacity building, disaster risk reduction, and logistics.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian support plays a valuable role in WFP’s efforts to stop hunger and malnutrition in their tracks. As we look to the future, we are pleased to reaffirm our shared commitment to strengthening and expanding this partnership to reach even more people in need,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.
The partnership has spanned five decades, with one of its most notable milestones occurring during the global financial crisis of 2008.
At that time, Saudi Arabia announced a historic and generous $500 million grant to WFP to help continue its relief projects and provide food to millions affected by rising food prices.
In 2014, Saudi Arabia also contributed over $200 million to supply food for displaced families in Iraq, as well as refugees from Syria in neighboring countries, and those from South Sudan and Somalia.