Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza

Gulf Summit in Doha Today Amidst Tragedy Surge in Gaza
TT

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.



GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
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GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Wednesday the agreement between the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi militias to de-escalate the situation with regard to the Yemeni banking sector and airlines.

The agreement was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts and the efforts led by the UN special envoy aimed at achieving peace and security in Yemen.

The announcement underscores the importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis, he added, hoping the agreement will pave the way for Yemeni parties to start the political process, under UN auspices, to reach a comprehensive political solution that achieves security and stability in the country.

He reiterated the GCC's continued support and full solidarity with Yemen, its government and people, and its keenness to encourage all efforts to de-escalate and maintain stability in order to reach peace.