Leaders at the Saudi-African Summit on Friday stressed the need to stop the war in Gaza, and to find a just, comprehensive and equitable solution that meets the aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people, denouncing the serious Israeli violations of international humanitarian law.
In an opening speech on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the keenness of Saudi Arabia and African countries to enhance cooperation in a way that contributes to establishing security and peace in the region and the entire world.
Prince Mohammed also condemned “the military aggression and targeting of civilians in the Gaza Strip, and the continued violations of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupying authority,” noting the necessity of stopping the war and forced displacement, and creating conditions for the return of stability and peace.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, said that the Palestinian issue was at the heart of the problem of peace and security in the world.
“We are required to develop a very urgent practical plan that embodies the position of Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab world, guaranteeing the rights of the Palestinian people to freedom, dignity and independence, as well as security and stability for countries and peoples of the whole region,” he stated.
The President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, said that Gaza was experiencing a new Nakba, adding that the seriousness of the current situation requires “an immediate response and a strong donation, to help our people and brothers in Gaza by all possible means.”
Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, described the developments in Gaza as “unfortunate,” expressing his concern over the violation of international humanitarian rights, and reiterating the call to revive the political process towards lasting peace in the region.
In turn, President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu voiced his concern about the situation in Palestine, praising Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, and affirming his country’s support for a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in accordance with the principles and charters of the United Nations.
Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, said that everyone was concerned about the destruction, killing and displacement taking place in Gaza. He also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to establish their legitimate state on the borders of June 1967.
