Saudi Arabia plans to host a meeting today (Monday) to discuss Gaza’s future with key officials involved in trying to end the conflict. Reports say the talks in Riyadh will include US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They may also involve UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and key officials from the European Union, Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar, as well as the Palestinian Authority.
Israel and Hamas are reportedly not part of the talks. Saudi Arabia has called for “cool heads” in the region, saying Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza could affect global economic stability. Members of the World Economic Forum have been meeting in Riyadh to discuss various issues including Gaza. The summit is being attended by Blinken, Palestinian leaders and high-ranking officials from other countries trying to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“I think cool-headed countries and leaders and people need to prevail, and you need to make sure that you actually de-escalate,” said Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan. “The world is today walking a tightrope right now, trying to balance security and prosperity,” Saudi planning minister Faisal al-Ibrahim told a media conference at the summit.
The war has been ongoing since just after October 7 last year when Hamas stormed into Israeli settlements, killing over 1200 people. The gunmen also took around 250 hostages, many of whom have been killed or are still being held. Israel responded with over 33 000 people reportedly killed in Gaza. The US State Department says Blinken will “discuss ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of the hostages”.
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