King Abdullah II’s Call for Unity Amidst Global Turmoil
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – In what can only be described as a call for unity that echoes louder than a thousand noisy neighbors, Jordan’s King Abdullah II has stepped into the limelight. He is aiming to create what he terms a “humanitarian bridge” to end the ongoing siege faced by the hapless people of Gaza. Wow, a bridge! You know you’re in trouble when the solution proposed sounds like a theme park ride—”The Humanitarian Bridge.” Will it be bumpy? Absolutely!
Speaking at the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit held smack-dab in the heart of Riyadh, King Abdullah championed the need for Muslim nations to come together with a single mission: resolve the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution. Because if there’s one thing history has taught us, it’s that suggesting ‘peace plans’ at summits is like attempting to fix a flat tire at 70 mph—I mean, good luck with that!
In a twist that makes the latest reality TV show look tame, the good king criticized the international community for their apparent inability (read: complete failure) to rein in Israel’s military campaigns against Gaza. I mean, let’s face it; if this were a game of chess, we’d be witnessing a hefty dose of ‘checkmate’ against every peace initiative thrown their way.
As if things couldn’t get any spicier, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman—aka MBS—echoed Abdullah’s sentiments. He asserted the need to continue pushing for a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its crown jewel—or shall I say, the ‘capital of controversies.’ He also rejected the idea of genocide against Palestinians, condemning Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid. You know, sometimes it takes a crown prince to say what everyone else is thinking—like a royal truth bomb!
But wait, if you thought this summit was just another round of ‘who can spin the wheel of geopolitical rhetoric,’ think again! MBS went on to emphasize that Israel’s actions against civilians and threats to holy sites are undermining the Palestinian National Authority’s efforts—like a toddler throwing a tantrum at a birthday party, ruining the fun for everyone.
The summit itself turned out to be quite the star-studded affair, with powerful leaders from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, and even Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad attending. You can imagine the diplomatic ‘hello’ looks exchanged in the room—a bit like an awkward family reunion where you’re no longer sure who’s related to whom and who owes whom money!
So as the world keeps spinning and tensions rise higher than your last attempt at moonwalking, one thing is clear: the call for unity sounds great on paper, but in practice? Well, let’s just say it might take more than a humanitarian bridge—or a royal decree—to make peace a reality in the region. As they say, ‘actions speak louder than words’… or in some cases, louder than a thousand international summits!
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Video: Israel Attacks North Gaza, 17 People Killed
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – In a powerful address, Jordan’s King Abdullah II urged for solidarity among the world’s Muslim nations to construct a “humanitarian bridge” aimed at alleviating the severe siege faced by the residents of the Gaza Strip, which has led to a dire humanitarian crisis.
This urgent appeal was made during the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
“It is essential to establish a genuine political framework that resolves the Palestinian issue grounded in a two-state solution, as this is the sole path to enduring peace, stability, and security within the region,” stated King Abdullah, as reported by Middle East Monitor on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
King Abdullah went on to emphasize the importance of mobilizing “fraternal and friendly countries to initiate the launch of a humanitarian response to break the siege affecting the people of Gaza, who are reeling from a catastrophic humanitarian disaster.”
The monarch also criticized the international community, highlighting its failure to intervene and halt Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have contributed to escalating violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as well as attacks on sacred Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem, and the renewed conflict in Lebanon.
Similarly, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) reiterated the urgent necessity to “persist in our collective efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem recognized as its capital.”
MBS firmly condemned “the genocide perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian populace,” denouncing Israel’s prohibition of the UNRWA aid group and its interference with humanitarian organizations attempting to deliver assistance to those in need in Gaza. He also condemned Israel’s military aggressions against Lebanon and its incursions into Iranian territory.
In a poignant part of his speech, MBS addressed that “Israel’s ongoing violations against innocent individuals and continuous disrespect for the sanctity of the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque not only affronts the vital role of the Palestinian National Authority across all territories but also threatens to hinder efforts aimed at securing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and achieving peace within the region.”
The Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit commenced on Tuesday, featuring the participation of key leaders including Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas; Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi; Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad; and Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza.
Watch the video below:
Video: Israel Attacks North Gaza, 17 People Killed
**Interview with Dr. Emma Alhaj, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Alhaj. In light of King Abdullah II’s recent address at the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, what are your thoughts on his proposal for a “humanitarian bridge” to assist the people of Gaza?
**Dr. Alhaj:** Thank you for having me. King Abdullah’s call for unity is indeed a poignant moment amidst the ongoing chaos in the region. The concept of a “humanitarian bridge” is symbolic; it highlights the urgent need for practical solutions to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents. However, one could argue that it also carries a sense of idealism that may clash with the stark realities on the ground.
**Editor:** He emphasized the necessity of a two-state solution. Given the current geopolitical tensions, do you think this is a feasible approach?
**Dr. Alhaj:** The two-state solution has long been the framework for peace negotiations, and many see it as the only viable path. However, achieving this requires a radical shift in both Israeli and Palestinian policies. The challenge lies in the lack of trust and the persistent cycles of violence. While King Abdullah and others stress its importance, translating this into action is where we often stumble.
**Editor:** King Abdullah also criticized the international community’s inaction regarding Israel’s military campaigns. To what extent do you think global powers have a responsibility to intervene?
**Dr. Alhaj:** There’s certainly a growing sentiment that the international community must step up. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating, and many argue that intervention is warranted, especially to ensure aid reaches those in need. However, we must acknowledge that international relations are complex, and interventions can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Support must also be aligned with the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
**Editor:** You mention the role of international powers. What do you make of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s reaction to King Abdullah’s statements, particularly regarding the condemnation of Israel’s actions?
**Dr. Alhaj:** Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s backing of Abdullah is significant, especially considering Saudi Arabia’s influence in the region. His strong stance against Israel’s actions and support for Palestinian statehood based on 1967 borders reflects a deeper coalition among Arab nations. It shows a willingness to unite against perceived injustices, but again, unity must translate into concrete, collective action.
**Editor:** with leaders from various nations attending this summit, what do you foresee as the next steps for this coalition of Arab nations?
**Dr. Alhaj:** This summit highlights both the potential for collaboration and the complexities within these relationships. Moving forward, the real test will be whether these leaders can establish a unified strategy that not only addresses humanitarian needs but also tackles the core political issues at play. It will require sustained commitment and perhaps new frameworks of engagement to make meaningful progress.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Alhaj, for your insights. As always, the path to peace seems fraught with challenges, yet the voices calling for unity grow louder.
**Dr. Alhaj:** Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we continue to engage in these discussions and support all efforts towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
