Saudi Arabia and Iran host talks
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud engaged with the Islamic Republic of Iran President Ebrahim Raisi over the persisting military escalation in Gaza.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Crown Prince said the Kingdom is communicating with international and regional parties to halt the violent onslaught in the densely populated Gaza region.
His Royal Highness emphasised a firm stance against any actions compromising civilians and resulting in the loss of innocent lives.
“The Kingdom opposes any form of civilian targeting and the loss of innocent lives,” he declared, stressing an absolute adherence to international humanitarian law principles amidst the crisis.
He also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s staunch support for the Palestinian cause.
Russia hosts talks with Iraq and Türkiye
Urgent talks between Putin and Erdogan centre on escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Türkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the spiralling situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone.
According to the Kremlin, both leaders expressed profound concern about the escalating violence during a telephone call on Thursday.
The urgency of the situation, marked by an increasing death toll and widespread destruction, drew their united alarm and dictated the conversation’s focused agenda.
Both leaders express the necessity for an immediate ceasefire from both sides involved in the conflict. Putin and Erdogan highlighted the vital importance of halting violence and the urgent resumption of negotiations between the conflicting parties.
The leaders agreed that a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East hinges on adherence to the two-state formula.
This approach, approved by the UN Security Council, proposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state, adhering to the 1967 borders with its capital in East Jerusalem. A peaceable resolution, they concurred, is unattainable without steadfast commitment to these principles.
Putin and Iraqi Prime Minister discuss Palestine during Russia Energy Summit
WATCH: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Palestine
Russia is hosting Republic of Iraq’s Prime Minister Muhammed Shia Al Sudani as part of a working visit to the country. Sudani is attending the 2023 Russia Energy Summit. But discussions during a plenary session took a different turn when Sudani asked Putin for his views on the violent uprisings in Gaza.
While underscoring the extensive history behind the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Putin highlighted that the yet-unfulfilled promise of establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel is at the heart of the enduring struggle.
The Russian leader noted that while Israel was established, Palestine’s anticipated sovereignty never came to fruition, with parts of what Palestinians perceive as their inherent land being occupied by Israel through various means, predominantly military force.
Putin also criticised the United States’ recent approach to the conflict, emphasising its neglect of existing resolution mechanisms, instead choosing unilateral efforts to address material needs in the Palestinian territories.
South Africa calls for ceasfire
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep condolences to the victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
President Ramaphosa emphasised the urgent need for an immediate halt to the violence, underscoring the dire necessity for opening humanitarian corridors.
He stated, “Our thoughts are with all the victims’ families and loved ones during this perilous period of fighting. The devastating escalation and atrocities against civilians deeply concern us.”
Highlighting the importance of providing urgent humanitarian assistance, President Ramaphosa stressed that mitigating human suffering is paramount.
He also appealed to the global community to intensify efforts towards fostering a lasting peace, envisioning a viable Palestinian State coexisting peacefully with Israel, based on the internationally acknowledged 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital.
Reiterating South Africa’s commitment to peace, President Ramaphosa concluded, “South Africa stands ready to collaborate globally, leveraging our expertise in mediation and conflict resolution, as evidenced by our contributions both on the continent and globally.”
The country’s governing African National Congress (ANC) Party, while echoing international calls for peace, has openly sided with Palestine.
The party said South Africa’s history of racial segregation know as apartheid remains a reality for Palestinians.
Brazil’s President Lula Da Silva
In a post on Thursday on X (formerly Twitter) the Braziian leader said he spoke on the phone with the President of Israel Isaac Herzog.
He thanked Herzog for supporting Brazil’s evacuation operation of its citizens fleeing the violence.
“I reaffirmed Brazil’s condemnation of the terrorist attacks and our solidarity with the families of the victims. I asked the President for all possible initiatives to ensure there is no shortage of water, electricity and medicine in hospitals,” said Lula.
“It is not possible for the innocent to be victims of the insanity of those who want war. I transmitted my appeal through a humanitarian corridor so that people who want to leave the Gaza Strip through Egypt have safety. And that Brazil is available to try to find a path to peace.”
India stands with Israel
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the week. Modi reiterated India’s support for Israel.
India and Israel have enjoyed comprehensive economic, military, and political ties since 1950. India recognised Israeli sovereignty in 1950, and Israel opened a consulate in Bombay three years later.
Collaboration between the two countries gradually increased as Israel became a key Indian ally amidst the India–Pakistan conflict — Israel supplied India with armaments, ammunition, and intelligence during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1999.
Today, India and Israel have a strong relationship that has grown over the years, with both countries benefiting immensely from their cooperation in various fields.
China: President Xi Jinping reportedly condemns the attacks
Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly strengthened China’s statement condemning the attacks in Israel and the Gaza Strip./
The Chinese Foreign Ministry initially called for a ceasefire but after coming under pressure from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (allegedly), as reported by The Hill.
China has historically supported a two-state solution and offered itself as a mediator, doubling down on this effort since it brokered normalisation between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March.
Egypt: Foreign Minister reveals acute concerns for Palestinians
Egypt has made several official statements regarding the Israel conflict.
In light of the rapidly escalating crisis in the Middle East, a pivotal meeting unfolded between Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Cairo.
This significant rendezvous aimed at exploring collaborative efforts to curtail the devastating impacts of the Israeli strikes on Gaza, which are amassing global concern.
With Gaza battered by continuous military actions, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry reveals an acute concern for the plight of Palestinian civilians.
CNN also reported the U.S. was in discussions with Egypt to organise a humanitarian corridor for civilians in the Gaza Strip. There are buses and taxis that go directly from Cairo to the Rafah crossing border. The journey takes around 5-6 hours.
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United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made several official statements regarding the Israel conflict. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for the protection of civilians.
The Department stressed the immediate priority is to end the violence and protect the civilian population. The Ministry labeled the firing of thousands of rockets at Israeli towns and villages by Hamas, along with the abduction of Israeli civilians, as a “serious and grave escalation.”
With both Israeli and Palestinian lives tragically lost, a fervent appeal was made for de-escalation from both sides to prevent further civilian casualties and infrastructural damage. Expressing condolences to victims’ families, the UAE emphasized the cruciality of safeguarding civilians under international humanitarian law.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia has not made any official statements about the current conflict in Israel, but there has been a history of relations between the two countries, including military aid and training. In August 2023, Israel evacuated over 200 of its nationals or eligible citizens from a violent area in Ethiopia.
