Arab and Islamic leaders demand Israel's withdrawal

Leaders of Arab and Islamic countries gathered in Riyadh on Monday for a high-stakes summit, where they issued a united call for Israel to withdraw from all occupied Arab territories to the pre-1967 borders.

The leaders made it clear that there will be no peace with Israel until it respects the boundaries defined by international law.

The summit’s final statement also highlighted the need for robust political and diplomatic support for Palestine, alongside efforts to achieve Palestinian national unity and protect its territories, including Gaza and the West Bank.

The statement condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on the United Nations and its personnel, emphasising the obstruction of humanitarian and human rights efforts in Palestine.

It accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza, pointing to atrocities such as mass graves, torture, and forced disappearances.

The summit called for an independent international investigation into these crimes, with a clear commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.

The leaders also voiced strong opposition to Israel’s continued military aggression, not only in Gaza but also in Lebanon, where violations of sovereignty and widespread destruction have occurred.

The statement called for an immediate ceasefire in both regions, stressing the urgent need for the international community to take decisive steps to end the humanitarian crises.

In his address, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasised the importance of respecting the sovereignty of Iran, urging Israel to refrain from attacking Iranian territory.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati highlighted his country’s “unprecedented crisis,” demanding an end to Israeli aggression and calling for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which governs the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

The summit concluded with a call to freeze Israel’s participation in the United Nations and to block the export of weapons to the country.

Leaders stressed the need for greater international support for Palestine’s bid to become a full member of the UN, as well as the protection of its people and territories against continued Israeli occupation.