Kuwait condemns Gaza violence as genocide and systematic targeting of Palestinians

• His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah KhaledAl-Hamad Al-Sabah stressed that the liquidation of the UNRWA would mean the liquidation of the Palestinian cause and the denial of the right of return.

• His Highness the Crown Prince called for supporting the Lebanese state and enabling it to control its institutions, while condemning the targeting of the UNIFIL forces as a blatant attack on international law.

• His Highness the Crown Prince said the Israeli occupation has burdened Arab and Islamic nations since 1948, violating international laws, fueling conflicts, and undermining global peace.

The representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al–Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah condemned the ongoing events in Gaza, describing them as genocide and a systematic targeting of Palestinian lives, as reported by Al Qabas newspaper.

His Highness the Crown Prince emphasized that the occupation should not be above international law during his speech at the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit in Riyadh.

He stressed that the liquidation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) would mean the liquidation of the Palestinian cause and the denial of the right of return. He added that the Security Council must take responsibility to implement the two-state solution.

His Highness the Crown Prince also stated that the institutions of the international community are at stake as the wars in Gaza and Lebanon continue.

He called for supporting the Lebanese state and enabling it to control its institutions, while condemning the targeting of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) forces as a blatant attack on international law.

The following is the speech of the State of Kuwait delivered by the representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah:

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, His Royal Highness, the dear brother Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

My brothers, their Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, His Excellency Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Peace be upon you, and may God’s mercy and blessings be upon you. I have the honor, at the outset, to convey the greetings of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God protect him), to all of you, along with His Highness’s wishes for the success of our conference, for the benefit of our Arab and Islamic nations, and in a way that ensures the security and stability of the region and its peoples.

I am also pleased to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the leadership, government, and people of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their kindness, hospitality, and generosity. At the same time, I express deep praise and appreciation for their efforts in hosting the extraordinary joint Arab-Islamic follow-up summit, which is an extension of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit held in 2023. I would also like to extend my thanks to the Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the excellent preparation of this important summit.

Israeli occupation has weighed heavily on Arab and Islamic nations since 1948

Their majesties, excellencies, and highnesses

Our blessed gathering is once again convening on the land of the Two Holy Mosques in response to a generous invitation from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (may God protect him).

The Israeli occupation has weighed heavily on the Arab and Islamic nations since 1948, continuing to wreak havoc due to blatant violations and double standards in the application of relevant international laws, charters, and resolutions. This has fueled conflicts and undermined international security and peace, reflecting the concerns our nations have raised for many years.

International community must unite to put an end to Israeli violations.

What we are witnessing today in Gaza and other occupied areas of Palestine is genocide committed by the Israeli occupation authorities against the Palestinian people.

Systematic targeting of civilian life

The systematic targeting of civilian life, destruction of civilian infrastructure, blocking humanitarian aid, imposing forced displacement, and attempts to alter the historical and legal status of Jerusalem must be condemned. The international community must unite to put an end to these violations.

Flagrant violation of global norms and laws

At the same time, we are witnessing the escalation of Israeli aggression, which is now extending its reach to the sovereignty of the brotherly Lebanese Republic. This includes targeting its people and all those on its soil, including UNIFIL forces, in flagrant violation of international norms and laws. It is imperative for the international community to show solidarity with the Lebanese Republic, enabling it to regain control over its institutions, protect its citizens and territories, and implement Security Council resolution 1701.

Urgent call for civilian protection and humanitarian aid access

Our summit must send a clear message to the international community and, in particular, to the Security Council, urging them to shoulder their responsibilities, restore confidence in the role and effectiveness of international institutions, and adopt a firm position that leads to an immediate ceasefire, international protection for innocent civilians, the opening of safe corridors, and the access of urgent humanitarian assistance. We must not treat the Israeli occupation as an entity above the law or allow it to be justified as self-defense.

The State of Kuwait calls for the principles of accountability and non-impunity to be upheld and for compliance with the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice regarding the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation forces’ policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Prohibiting UNRWA work in the occupied Palestinian territories condemned

In this context, the State of Kuwait condemns the enactment of legislation aimed at prohibiting the work of UNRWA in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The State of Kuwait also rejects the liquidation of UNRWA, as it would be a means to liquidate the Palestinian cause and the right of refugees to return.

Additionally, Kuwait opposes any actions against the United Nations or its Secretary-General in light of their tireless efforts to maintain international peace and security and support the noble principles of the United Nations.

Kuwait commends coalition’s efforts for ceasefire

The State of Kuwait renews its full support for the efforts of the brotherly State of Qatar, the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt, and the friendly United States of America to achieve a ceasefire. Kuwait also commends the efforts of the ministerial committee that culminated in the success of our previous summit.

Implementation of the two-state solution

The State of Kuwait once again expresses its unwavering support for the international coalition led by the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to implement the two-state solution. At the same time, we praise the courageous steps taken by several friendly countries to recognize the State of Palestine, and we call on other countries that believe in justice, fairness, and equality to take similar actions, enabling the State of Palestine to gain full membership in the United Nations.

I would also like to commend all the efforts that led to the establishment of a joint coordination mechanism between the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union to support the Palestinian cause.

Kuwait reaffirms strong support for Palestinians in fight to end Israeli occupation

In conclusion, the State of Kuwait reaffirms its firm and historical position in support of the brotherly Palestinian people in their struggle to end the Israeli occupation, achieve their legitimate political rights, and establish an independent state on their land, within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions and references.

Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings.