Foreign Minister slams Israel crimes, calls for ‘global action’

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 12: In a significant gesture of support, the Kuwait Government has taken action by declaring the suspension of all celebratory events and concerts. This decision, outlined on the official website of the Government Communication Center, reinforces Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause. It serves as a poignant demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are currently bearing the brunt of a deeply distressing Israeli aggression.

This move reflects Kuwait’s unwavering dedication to the principles of justice and support for the oppressed. This decision was taken in response to the calls made by a number of MPs including MP Hamdan Al-Azmi, MP Hamad Al-Obaid, and others. Elsewhere, Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah reiterated strong condemnation of the inhumane practices being committed by the Israeli occupation authorities against “the brotherly people of Palestine.”

Addressing the extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Arab League Council on the developments of the situation in occupied Palestine on Wednesday, Sheikh Salem cited Israel’s recurrent crimes and desecration of the sanctity of the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque as “stark violation of the international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.” “The State of Kuwait stresses the need of the international community to shoulder the responsibility of breaking the current vicious cycle of violence,” Sheikh Salem said.

Urging all parties of the conflict to de-escalate hostilities and exercise maximum restraint, he reminded the UNSC of its responsibility to provide international protection to the Palestinian people and put an end to the Israeli violations. The Kuwaiti minister underscored the need to find a fair and durable solution to the 75- 75-year-long conflict and secure peace, stability, and development for the people of the Middle East countries. Noting that the fair question of Palestine is a central issue for all Arabs and Muslims, he renewed Kuwait’s solidarity with the brotherly people of Palestine in their struggle to retain their legitimate rights based on the Arab peace initiative of 2002 and the relevant UN resolutions.

Cessation
In an emergency gathering convened at the Arab League’s Cairo headquarters on Wednesday, Arab foreign ministers, under the leadership of Morocco, called for an immediate cessation of the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. They also demanded the swift facilitation of humanitarian convoys to enter the besieged region. The ministerial-level Arab League Council held an extraordinary session at the invitation of Morocco and the State of Palestine to address the escalating aggression against Gaza.

In their final statement, the ministers called for an immediate end to Israeli hostilities in the Gaza Strip and its surrounding areas. They emphasized the urgency of all parties showing restraint, highlighting the dire humanitarian and security consequences of continued escalation. The ministers urged international action in compliance with international law to safeguard regional security and stability, emphasizing the need to prevent further cycles of violence. The ministers strongly condemned the targeting and killing of civilians by both sides and any actions contrary to international law and humanitarian principles.

They stressed the imperative of protecting civilians in line with humanitarian values and international law and called for the release of all prisoners and detainees. Additionally, the ministers expressed their condemnation of the suffering imposed on the Palestinian people and the violations of their rights. Furthermore, the ministers emphasized the necessity of lifting the Gaza Strip’s blockade and immediate access for humanitarian aid, food, and fuel, facilitated by international organizations like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). They also called for the reversal of Israel’s decisions to halt electricity supply and water access to Gaza. The ministers expressed their support for the resilience of the Palestinian people on their land and warned against any attempts to displace them or exacerbate the refugee issue.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed American support to Israel on Thursday as its military pulverized the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip with airstrikes and prepared for a possible ground invasion. As Palestinians tried to stock up on bread and groceries amid dwindling supplies, Israel said nothing would be allowed into Gaza until around 150 hostages taken captive by Hamas during a weekend attack were freed. International aid groups warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis after Israel stopped all deliveries of food, water, fuel, and electricity to the tiny enclave of 2.3 million people and prevented entry of supplies from Egypt.

The war has already claimed at least 2,700 lives on both sides. “Not a single electricity switch will be flipped on, not a single faucet will be turned on, and not a single fuel truck will enter until the Israeli hostages are returned home,” Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said on social media. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli military spokesman, told reporters Thursday that forces “are preparing for a ground maneuver” should political leaders order one.