Oman, Qatar, Bahrain Condemn Israel's Targeting of Iran

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
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Oman, Qatar, Bahrain Condemn Israel's Targeting of Iran

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

The Sultanate of Oman strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory on Saturday.
The Sultanate said these attacks are a flagrant violation of Iran's sovereignty and a clear breach of international law, and expressed concern that such escalatory actions fuel the cycle of violence and undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions through peaceful and diplomatic means. It called on the international community to take decisive action to halt the aggression and end these violations.
In a statement, the Omani Foreign Ministry urged that the cause of regional crises be addressed, by ending the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories, and its ongoing aggression in Gaza Strip.
The Sultanate also emphasized the need to abide by UN Security Council resolutions, grant the Palestinian people their right to self-determination, and establish an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, within the framework of the two-state solution and in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative, to ensure a just and lasting peace for all parties concerned.

Qatar also strongly condemned Israel's targeting of Iran, deeming it a flagrant violation of Iran's sovereignty and a clear breach of the principles of international law.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing deep concern over the serious repercussions that may result from this escalation, and called on all concerned parties to exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful means, and avoid anything that would destabilize security and stability in the region.
The ministry renewed Qatar's call on the international community to intensify efforts aimed at calming and de-escalating the situation, and ending the suffering of the peoples of the region, especially in Gaza and Lebanon.

For its part, Bahrain's foreign ministry condemned military action against Iran, urging an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and reduce regional tensions. 

The ministry urged all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize de-escalation to prevent the expansion of conflict and war. It also emphasized the need to revive peace negotiations to achieve regional security and stability, and ensure that all peoples in the region live in dignity, safety, peace, and prosperity.

 



Riyadh to Host High-Level Meeting for Two-State Solution Alliance

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks to reporters in New York in September. (dpa)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks to reporters in New York in September. (dpa)
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Riyadh to Host High-Level Meeting for Two-State Solution Alliance

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks to reporters in New York in September. (dpa)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah speaks to reporters in New York in September. (dpa)

Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, will host a meeting of the Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution on Wednesday and Thursday.

The event will bring together diplomats and representatives from various countries and organizations to discuss a clear timeline for establishing a Palestinian state and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah will open the meeting with a welcoming speech, followed by comments from Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

In September, Saudi Arabia announced the creation of the Alliance on behalf of Arab and Islamic nations, along with European partners. The announcement was made during a ministerial meeting on the Palestinian issue held at the United Nations General Assembly.

The upcoming meeting in Riyadh, the first high-level follow-up gathering, aims to garner practical insights and present them to political leaders. It will outline proposed components under the coalition and initiate practical preparations.

Follow-up meetings are planned in Brussels, Cairo, Amman, Oslo, Ankara, and potentially other locations, focusing on specific elements needed to implement the two-state solution.

The Riyadh meeting aims to produce tangible results for communicating these discussions to political leaders and ensuring their implementation. It will establish a timeline for creating a Palestinian state and outline measures to uphold the two-state solution’s viability, including accountability under international law and the execution of relevant UN resolutions.

Sources indicate that by hosting this meeting, Saudi Arabia is collaborating closely with other coalition partners, including members of the joint Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation contact group focused on Gaza, along with the European Union and Norway.

Additionally, the Riyadh meeting will address the role of UNRWA as the main humanitarian organization in Gaza, crucial for the humanitarian response until the two-state solution is achieved.

At the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prince Faisal stressed that establishing an independent Palestinian state is a fundamental right essential for peace, not just a negotiable outcome.

He expressed gratitude to countries that have recently recognized Palestine and urged all nations to join the 149 countries that support its recognition.

“The two-state solution is the best way to end the cycle of conflict and suffering, allowing the region, including Israel, to enjoy security and coexistence,” he stated.

Prince Faisal concluded his speech by announcing the launch of the Alliance.

He invited nations to join this initiative, assuring that Saudi Arabia will work hard to create a reliable path to fair and lasting peace, and expressed eagerness to hear contributions that will help end the conflict and promote international peace and security.