During the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations, key representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman addressed the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned that the region “is at a point of implosion,” highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to halt the ongoing violence.
Crisis in Gaza and Humanitarian Concerns
The four nations expressed deep concern over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the devastating impact on Palestinian civilians. This statement came in response to remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, facing mounting domestic and international criticism, told the General Assembly that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas following the group’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths.
Netanyahu’s assertion was met with condemnation from Abdelatty, who criticized the international community for its passive stance while violations of international law occur in Gaza and throughout the region. He described Israel’s actions as a “wanton, unjust war waged against defenseless civilians.” Abdelatty emphasized that Israel’s continued military actions not only threaten Palestinian lives but also the stability of neighboring countries.
Reflecting on Egypt’s historic role in promoting peace in the region, Abdelatty referenced former President Anwar Sadat’s landmark visit to Israel in 1977. He lamented the current situation, accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza and obstructing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. “The region cannot see stability without an independent state of Palestine,” he stated.
Regional Turmoil and Calls for a Two-State Solution
The statements from the Middle Eastern diplomats also addressed broader regional conflicts. Abdelatty pointed to the civil war in Sudan, the political deadlock in Libya, and the crisis in Yemen as examples of the ongoing instability that affects the area. He noted that repeated violations of Lebanese and Syrian territory by Israel further exacerbate tensions.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza necessitates immediate action from the international community to end the war and achieve peace. He asserted that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is crucial for ensuring security for all nations in the region.
“The failure of the international community to take firm actions to end the Israeli aggression will only lead to further instability and insecurity, with grave consequences for the region and beyond,” he warned. In response to the crisis, Saudi Arabia has joined forces with Norway and the European Union to form an international coalition aimed at implementing the two-state solution.
The urgent pleas from these Middle Eastern leaders during the UN Assembly reflect a growing consensus that without decisive action, the region may face even deeper turmoil and humanitarian crises. The international community is now under increased pressure to respond effectively to the escalating conflict in Gaza and the broader challenges facing the Middle East.
