Amir of Qatar Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon at GCC-EU Summit

DOHA: The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon during his speech at a groundbreaking summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU). The summit, which marks the first of its kind, saw participation from various state leaders and focused on addressing pressing international issues, particularly in the Middle East. According to Kuwait News Agency, the Amir's call came amid discussions on the ongoing conflicts in the region, where he highlighted the "terrifying routine" of warfare conducted by Israeli forces in Palestinian territories and Lebanon, emphasizing the lack of international accountability. Sheikh Tamim underscored the necessity for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict, advocating for a just solution based on international legitimacy resolutions. This includes the full withdrawal from Arab territories occupied in 1967 and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The summit also featured a speech from European Council President Charles Michel, who expressed the EU's readiness to collaborate with the Gulf states to tackle global challenges and proposed a stronger partnership between the EU and GCC to foster prosperity. The presence of significant leaders, including the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, underscored the high-level engagement at the summit. Further topics anticipated for discussion among the leaders include strategies to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, particularly the unrest driven by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza and Lebanon. The summit represents a critical platform for both Gulf and European leaders to forge pathways towards stability and peace in the region.