King Mohammed VI delivered a strongly-worded address at the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on Saturday, in which he called for global action to bring about tangible de-escalation in the Gaza Strip and stop military attacks.
In the speech read out by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, the King expressed deep concern over the ongoing armed conflict in Gaza, and the toll it is taking on defenseless civilians, condemning Israel’s aggression and the international community’s silence.
He stated that Israeli artillery and missiles are still targeting innocent civilians, including children, women and the elderly, and all places of worship, hospitals and camps have been either partially or completely destroyed.
The King called for swift de-escalation in preparation for a permanent ceasefire, the protection of civilians pursuant to international law, the delivery of humanitarian aid in sufficient quantities and the revival of the two-state solution as a political settlement to the Palestinian issue.
The King slammed outbidding approaches and self-serving agendas while the lives of Palestinians are at stake, and emphasized the pressing need for genuine peace, an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital governed by Mahmoud Abbas, and the strengthening of the Palestinian Authority.
As Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, the King also underlined the necessity of establishing mechanisms for sustainable regional security, abiding by international law and agreed resolutions.
The sovereign detailed efforts to protect Jerusalem and preserve its historical and legal status, rejecting attempts to change the city’s identity by force.
The Monarch reiterated that the “Jerusalem Call”, signed by him and Pope Francis, is a reminder that Jerusalem is a shared legacy and symbol of values of mutual respect.