The Arab foreign ministers asserted the need for the upcoming Arab Extraordinary Summit on Palestine to take decisions that lead to an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations and end Palestinians’ tragedies in Gaza.

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan chaired the Arab foreign ministers’ preparatory meeting for the extraordinary session of the Arab Summit to discuss Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

The Arab League Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and various Arab ministerial delegations attended the meeting.

On Saturday, the Arab League will hold an extraordinary session in Riyadh entitled “Solidarity with Palestine.”

Speaking before the ministers, the Saudi Foreign Minister stressed that the upcoming summit comes in response to the critical situation in the Strip.

Prince Faisal called on the international community, including the Security Council, to shoulder the responsibilities and take deterrent action to end this tragedy.

He asserted that the Security Council must issue a resolution aimed at an immediate cessation of military operations, providing civil protection, releasing hostages and prisoners, and stopping the forced displacement of Palestinians in compliance with international laws and common humanitarian principles.

The Saudi FM also called for lifting the siege on the enclave and enabling the delivery of relief aid and urgent medical supplies without restrictions and in a sustainable manner.

It would alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe that claimed the lives of innocent people, more than half of whom were children and women.

The situation warns of serious consequences for regional and international security and stability.

He declared that within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s awareness of its international responsibility and in line with the principles of humanitarian solidarity, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) launched the Sahm platform to provide relief to the Palestinian people.

“The Kingdom will spare no effort to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of our Palestinian brothers and provide them with a dignified life,” Prince Faisal said.

Bin Farhan stressed the importance of achieving just, comprehensive, and lasting peace under international legitimacy resolutions.

He reiterated the call for establishing a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, reiterating the Kingdom’s strategic commitment to peace.

Since the outbreak of the war, the Kingdom has been keen to consult and coordinate with its international brothers and partners to search for a solution, said the Minister.

He hoped the summit will contribute to stimulating the international community into taking decisive action to stop the bloodshed and create the appropriate conditions to work towards peace.

At the end of their meeting, the Arab ministers agreed on several points, including condemning the Israeli aggression against the Strip and its war crimes and stressing the need to halt it.

They warned the international community against the continuation of the attack and the killing and destruction it causes.

In turn, Arab League Assistant Sec-Gen Hossam Zaki confirmed that the meeting approved the final version and draft resolution that will be submitted to the summit on Saturday.

The Arab position demands a ceasefire in the Palestinian territories, asserted Zaki.

He explained that the meeting discussed a group of Arab political positions on the Palestinian issue, which allows the international community to understand the Arab and Palestinian situation in a way that boosts efforts aimed at ending Israeli aggression.

He also asserted that the Arab position was clear and explicit on “an immediate ceasefire.” ‏

Zaki reiterated the Arab rejection of all ideas or efforts of the occupying forces or other countries to separate Gaza from the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory, adding that the Arab position does not agree with this position.