In an extraordinary meeting held in Doha, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reiterated its strong support for Lebanon during a critical period of conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The ministerial meeting, which took place late on Wednesday, addressed the escalating tensions in the region, with a strong appeal for all parties to refrain from violence and exercise self-restraint. The GCC expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories, urging for swift diplomatic efforts to end the violence.
The statement follows a year of intense cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, backed by Iran, which has led to the deaths of over 1,900 people and injured more than 9,000 in Lebanon, with the majority of casualties reported in the last two weeks, according to Lebanese government figures.
Simultaneously, Gaza has been heavily impacted by the Israeli military offensive, which began in response to the October 7 incursion by Hamas fighters into Israel. The attack left approximately 1,200 people dead in Israel, with another 250 taken hostage. Since then, the ongoing strikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians, as per reports from both Israel and Gaza health officials.
The GCC’s statement emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability and humanitarian support. The council urged all stakeholders to engage in peaceful dialogue to prevent further bloodshed and suffering.
The situation remains volatile, with both Lebanon and Gaza facing continued humanitarian crises as international bodies seek to mediate the growing tensions.
