Kuwait Declaration calls for end of Israeli violations in Gaza, Lebanon

Gulf leaders on Sunday called for the end of Israeli violations in Gaza, while denouncing continued Israeli strikes on Lebanon despite a ceasefire.

The final statement was read by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi after the 45th GCC summit in Kuwait.

The Kuwait Declaration demanded “an end to the killings and collective punishments of civilians in Gaza.” The leaders also voiced their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The declaration also welcomed reaching a ceasefire in Lebanon after weeks of Israeli strikes on the country, while urging the Lebanese to prioritize the interests of the state.

The meeting of the six-member GCC comes at a time of acute and ongoing uncertainty for the Middle East following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and a subsequent war on Gaza, which has repeatedly threatened spillover into a wider regional conflagration.

As for Lebanon, a truce was announced last week after a year of conflict that killed thousands in Lebanon and caused mass displacement on both sides of the border.

Fighting escalated in September after continuous cross-border strikes, initiated by Iran-backed Hezbollah in support of Hamas.

The leaders welcomed the continued efforts made by Saudi Arabia and Oman with all Yemeni sides to revive the political process.

They also praised the growing role of GCC countries in addressing political, security and economic challenges regionally and globally. The leaders also underscored the importance of economic cooperation among GCC countries and the need to enhance cooperation to develop joint digital strategies that contribute to achieving digital integration between their economies.