Saudi Summit on Israel’s Gaza, Lebanon Conflicts with Arab Leaders

In a pivotal gathering drawing global attention, the Saudi Summit is convening this Monday in Riyadh, bringing together Arab and Muslim leaders to address the escalating crises in Gaza and Lebanon. The summit underscores Saudi Arabia’s increasingly central role in mediating regional disputes as it aims to bring stability to a region marked by protracted conflict. This meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions and shifting alliances, positioning the Kingdom as a key player in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Geopolitical Context

Middle Eastern geopolitics is complex, influenced by decades of competing interests and historical grievances. The Israel-Palestine conflict remains at the core of regional tension, fueling broader ideological divides and often sparking military escalations across borders. Saudi Arabia has historically supported Palestinian sovereignty, yet the country has recently pursued diplomatic engagements with Israel, reflecting a nuanced approach aimed at balancing strategic alliances with its commitment to the Palestinian cause.

The Saudi Summit represents Saudi Arabia’s renewed commitment to peace as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes strengthening the Kingdom’s international influence. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has pursued economic diversification and regional stability, hosting critical diplomatic discussions as part of its growing influence in global affairs.

The Summit’s Genesis

The summit was initially announced by the Saudi foreign ministry in late October as an extension of the first meeting of an “international alliance” advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This alliance represents a coalition of nations committed to finding diplomatic resolutions to the ongoing conflict, promoting a two-state solution as a means to ensure stability. By convening the summit, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a critical actor in regional peace efforts, aiming to rally support for Palestinian rights while pushing for broader international engagement.

The two-state solution, long seen as the most viable path to peace, has been the cornerstone of many peace initiatives in the past. However, the lack of consensus and frequent flare-ups of violence have often stymied progress. As part of the summit, Saudi leaders hope to reinvigorate this discourse and bring a new sense of urgency to the international community’s response.

One Year After Riyadh’s OIC

This year’s summit follows a similar meeting held in Riyadh in 2023, which brought together the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address rising violence in Gaza. During that summit, Arab and Muslim leaders condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as “barbaric” and calling for international intervention to protect Palestinian civilians. The recurrence of such summits underscores the ongoing difficulty in addressing these complex issues, as peace remains elusive even with sustained diplomatic engagement.

This year’s gathering aims not only to repeat the strong condemnation of Israeli actions but also to explore more concrete steps that member nations can take to support Palestinians and influence the broader geopolitical landscape. With the return of key figures and the involvement of new participants, there is hope that this summit may yield stronger calls for international accountability and a shift in strategies for achieving peace.

Middle East Conflict

This summit includes notable participants from across the Muslim world, with leaders from Nigeria, Pakistan, Lebanon, and other nations in attendance. Each leader brings a distinct perspective shaped by their national interests, regional alliances, and political landscapes.

• Nigerian President represents a country with a sizable Muslim population, emphasizing Nigeria’s role as a voice for Islamic unity and peace. Tinubu’s presence signals Nigeria’s commitment to global Muslim solidarity, especially in supporting Palestinian rights.

• Lebanese Prime Minister, who is also in attendance, faces the added complexity of Hezbollah’s involvement in Lebanon’s internal politics. With Hezbollah’s ongoing conflict with Israel, Mikati’s position is both delicate and strategic, reflecting Lebanon’s unique role in the broader regional tensions. He is expected to address Lebanon’s sovereignty and the destabilizing effects of Israeli strikes on Lebanese soil.

• Pakistani Prime Minister is another significant attendee, bringing strong support for Palestinian sovereignty. Sharif has emphasized Pakistan’s stance on condemning what he has termed the “genocide in Gaza,” calling for an immediate end to Israeli military operations. His attendance reinforces Pakistan’s dedication to supporting the Palestinian cause and advocating for international intervention to halt violence in Gaza.

Each leader’s presence adds weight to the summit, as their collective voices may influence regional alliances and international perceptions. This gathering of prominent Muslim leaders signifies a unified front that could shape global discourse on Middle Eastern conflicts, depending on the outcomes and resolutions achieved.

Saudi Arabia’s Role

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting this summit is part of a broader diplomatic strategy under Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the economy, enhance Saudi’s international standing, and support regional peace efforts. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made it clear that Saudi Arabia seeks to bridge divides within the Muslim world while also opening pathways for cooperation with non-Muslim nations, including Israel.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia’s approach has evolved, with efforts to foster diplomatic relations across sectarian divides, while cautiously balancing alliances with the United States and Iran. This summit demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s attempt to reaffirm its traditional support for Palestinian rights while carefully navigating its budding relationships with Israel.

Pre-Summit Ministerial Meeting

Ahead of Monday’s main summit, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led a preparatory ministerial meeting designed to align the goals and strategies of participating nations. This meeting focused on building a cohesive message, creating space for divergent views, and ensuring that the summit’s outcomes reflect a collective stance on critical issues. By uniting Arab and Muslim leaders under a shared diplomatic vision, Prince Faisal’s preparatory efforts underscore the summit’s potential impact.

The Humanitarian Toll

The conflict’s humanitarian toll has grown exponentially since the eruption of violence last year. The initial attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties, mostly civilians. In response, Israel launched an extensive retaliatory campaign in Gaza, which has led to the deaths of more than 43,600 Palestinians, primarily civilians, according to data from Gaza’s health ministry, verified by the United Nations.

Lebanon has also been impacted, as the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement continues to engage Israeli forces. Since late September, cross-border exchanges have escalated, with Israel intensifying its air strikes in southern Lebanon and sending ground troops against Hezbollah. Lebanon’s fragile political landscape complicates matters further, as the nation struggles to maintain stability amidst external pressures and internal factionalism.

The protracted violence has had devastating effects on both Gaza’s and Lebanon’s infrastructure, with hospitals, schools, and residential areas suffering severe damage. Humanitarian aid agencies have raised concerns over food, water, and medical supply shortages, painting a grim picture of life in these conflict zones.

Human Rights

The Saudi Summit is also an opportunity for participating leaders to address human rights violations and the importance of international law. The widespread destruction and civilian casualties in Gaza have prompted calls from humanitarian organizations for accountability and compliance with international human rights standards.

Countries like Pakistan and Malaysia, which have long condemned the treatment of Palestinians, are expected to press for stronger international oversight and adherence to the Geneva Conventions. The United Nations and other global bodies have frequently raised concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza, yet enforcement of international standards remains a challenge in the absence of unified political will.

International Stakeholders

The United States has traditionally been a strong ally of Israel, providing military and diplomatic support. However, the evolving geopolitical landscape has seen the U.S. engaging with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to promote stability in the region. This summit offers an opportunity for Arab and Muslim leaders to advocate for a more balanced U.S. stance and to urge Western nations to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions.

The European Union, which has expressed concerns over the humanitarian impacts in Gaza, may also be influenced by the outcomes of this summit. EU member states have shown an increasing willingness to support humanitarian initiatives in Palestine, and the summit’s resolutions could serve as leverage for urging more substantial support from European nations.

Prospects for Peace

While the Saudi Summit represents a significant diplomatic effort, achieving peace remains a formidable challenge. The enduring distrust between Israel and Hamas, along with Hezbollah’s involvement in Lebanon, complicates efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire. Moreover, the divergent political agendas among Arab and Muslim nations add layers of complexity to any peace initiative.

Nonetheless, the Saudi Summit is an opportunity to explore potential pathways to peace. Resolutions may include calls for ceasefires, humanitarian assistance pledges, and frameworks for renewed negotiations. Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator could be pivotal, given its influence over both the Muslim world and its diplomatic channels with Israel.

A New Era of Diplomacy?

The Saudi Summit could mark the beginning of a new diplomatic era for the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating these discussions reflects its broader vision for a stable and economically prosperous region. While the road to peace is arduous, the summit demonstrates that the Arab and Muslim worlds are willing to seek solutions collectively.

Stay Updated

For comprehensive coverage of the Saudi Summit and Middle Eastern geopolitics, follow our Saudi Arabia news page. We bring you real-time updates, expert analyses, and in-depth reports on the evolving situation as leaders work to navigate these pressing issues and pursue peace in the region.