The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs, Dr. Shaye’ Al-Zindani, participated today in the emergency ministerial meeting of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, to discuss the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestine and Lebanon.

In his speech on behalf of the Arab foreign ministers in his capacity as Chairman of the current 162nd session of the Council of Ministers of the League of Arab States, Minister Al-Zindani expressed the Arab Group’s condemnation of Israel, the occupying power, for committing the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip over the course of nearly Twelve months, as well as the systematic Israeli crimes and policies against the Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, aiming to displace them from their land, and the systematic destruction of Palestinian cities, villages, camps and their infrastructure, as well as the terrorism of Israeli settlers, the killing and wounding of hundreds of Palestinian citizens, the demolition, burning and destruction of homes, farms and property, and the arrest Thousands of Palestinians live in inhumane conditions.

The minister expressed his categorical rejection of Israel’s plans for the day following the Israeli aggression, as well as his rejection of its control over any part of the Gaza Strip. He demanded Israel’s complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, allowing the opening of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing and the operation of the crossing without obstacles, according to The applicable rules, and the removal of all obstacles to safe, adequate and rapid humanitarian access through the crossing.

He expressed his appreciation for the tireless efforts made by the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar to reach a ceasefire agreement and alleviate the suffering in Gaza.

The Minister called on the international community to activate the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on 7/1/2024, and to implement the General Assembly resolutions that affirmed, among other things, the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, and that Israel is obligated to end its presence. illegal settlement activities as soon as possible, immediately stop all settlement activities and dismantle them, evacuate settlers from Palestinian land, and pay compensation for the damages caused to all natural or legal persons concerned therein, and that all states and international organizations are obligated not to recognize the legitimacy of the situation resulting from the continued and illegal presence of the occupation. Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory and not providing aid or assistance to maintain this situation.

Minister Al-Zindani stressed the adoption and support of the Arab countries for the State of Palestine’s approach to obtaining full membership in the United Nations... calling on the Security Council to accept this membership based on the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly issued on 5/9/2024, which determined the eligibility of the State of Palestine. For full membership in the United Nations.

With regard to the dangerous Israeli escalation against Lebanon, the Minister affirmed full solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, and strong condemnation of the escalating Israeli aggression against it, which led to the fall of hundreds of victims, including women and children, and the displacement of tens of thousands of citizens... reiterating full support for Lebanon in confronting this aggression. He held Israel responsible for the dangerous escalation, and warned of the repercussions of the continued aggression against Lebanon, which could lead to the ignition of a comprehensive regional war and threaten the security and stability of the entire region.

At the end of his speech, Minister Al-Zindani called on the international community to work quickly to stop the Israeli war of aggression immediately.