By Javed Raja
Amidst brutal massacre in strategic Gaza Strip where over 11,500 people, majority of innocent children and women, have been slaughtered indiscriminately sofar and 1,200 Israelis also died.
Saudi Arabia hosted a joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in response to the deteriorating human rights situation in the Palestinian Gaza Strip as Muslim countries felt the need to consolidate their efforts for peace in the Middle East and come out with a unified collective position.
The summit brought together leaders from Arab and Asian nations, who called for an immediate end to the war on Gaza. The participant countries appreciated Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting the Palestinian cause.
They generally lauded the Saudi leadership for the timely initiative of convening the Summit with a view to evolving Joint Arab-Islamic Action on the deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
They underlined the need for urgent collaboration to stop Israel from its indiscriminate aggression against Palestinians. They demanded Israel lift its blockade on Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid and medical assistance to the Palestinian population.
Undoubtedly, the Israeli action of bombing hospitals, refugee camps, schools and residential buildings, resulting in the loss of thousands precious lives is condemnable. Infact, commitment to a “just and enduring” resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which would result in the creation of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital is imminent.
The summit took place in the backdrop of increasing Israeli hostilities in the strip. Gaza’s Health Ministry said 11,500 people have been killed since Israel started its war on Gaza on Oct. 7, and 27,000 have been injured. Israel has conducted a massive military operation into the occupied territory after Hamas’ military wing launched a full-pronged attack against the Jewish state, killing 1,200 people.
In a joint resolution on Saturday, Muslim countries condemned Israel’s “brutal” aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and in the West Bank, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif. It also called on stopping and ending all Israeli illegal practices “that perpetuate occupation” and deprive Palestinians of their rights. We need a political horizon looking towards the two-state solution. This can only be achieved through dialogue.
All peace-loving nations genuinely recall all resolutions of the United Nations and other international organizations regarding the Palestinian cause, the crimes of the Israeli occupation and the right of the Palestinian people to freedom and independence in all its territories, which have been occupied since 1967 and constitute a sole geographical unit.
It is affirmed that Israel, and all countries of the region, will not enjoy security and peace unless the Palestinians enjoy theirs and regain all their stolen rights. It firmly stressed that the continuation of the Israeli occupation is a threat to the security and stability of the region and to international security and peace. Collectively all condemn all forms of hatred and discrimination, and all acts that perpetuate hatred and extremism.
Break the siege on Gaza and impose the immediate entry of Arab, Islamic and international humanitarian aid convoys, including food, medicine and fuel into the Gaza Strip. Everyone should support the call on international organizations to participate in this process, stressing the need for their entry to the strip and for protecting their teams to enable them to fully fulfill their role.
It is high time to realise that only durable peace is the solution of all present conflicts and future issues otherwise we should be ready for a devastating third world war. The impacts of meaningless conflicts would be far-reaching and useless. Britan is the latest precedent where the Conservative PM Rish Sunak had to sack his own home secretary, brought former prime minister David Cameron as foreign minister and changed the foreign minister as home secretary. and gave a stern warning that All criminality must be met with full and swift force of law.
In this context, the role of the chief Met London, Sir Mark Rowley for his constructive and positive role for the procession on 11th November in London cannot be forgotten that everything been done peacefully and in a well organised manner and support by the police and the credit goes to him.
The Chief Commissioner of Metropolitan Police Sir Mark Rowley is a professional and senior police officer along with his outstanding career & record of achievement and we proud to be having a professional police figure like him. We do respect our politician and the Cabinet members that doesn’t mean that the cabinet member can publicly insult the professional head of our official national organisation like police who have the responsibility of peace, safety & security of people in the country especially in London.
Therefore, I absolutely condemn the remarks from the sacked home secretary against the Met Chief Sir Mark Rowley. Please don’t disrespect our national heroes. She should be apologised for her remarks against him.
(The writer is Convenor, Peace International, UK)