Islamic and Arab Nations Tour UN Security Council
A delegation from Islamic and Arab nations is on a world tour of the five permanent United Nations Security Council member states in an attempt to bring a ceasefire to the war on Gaza. Their goal is to allow more humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza and seek support from the council members in their quest for an independent Palestinian state.
‘The Impression of Activity’?
The delegation, formed at a summit of the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Riyadh, includes representatives from Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Nigeria, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the secretary-general of the OIC. This coalition rejects Israel’s assertion that its assault on Gaza is in self-defence.
On October 7, Hamas attacks in southern Israel killed about 1,200 people, with 240 taken captive. Since then, Israel has killed more than 14,500 Palestinians, including at least 6,000 children. The delegation’s schedule kicked off with a visit to China where it met with Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat.
First Stop, China
By choosing China as their first stop, the Islamic and Arab states may be aiming to gather global support to present to nations that have backed Israel thus far.
‘Message to the US’
In August, China brokered a peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, re-establishing their diplomatic ties and signaling a shift in the Middle East’s alliances. This move was seen as a message to the United States that it is no longer the sole power in the region.
Abraham Accords or Bust?
Arab leaders are frustrated with US disengagement from the region and its focus on pushing the Abraham Accords – normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab countries. Despite this, Arab leaders know the power to stop the conflict in Gaza lies with the US.
