Kuwait City: The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) hailed the efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar, in coordination with its mediation partners, mainly Egypt and the United States, to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, secure the release of hostages, and ensure the entry of humanitarian aid.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Council stressed the need to end the Israeli aggression on the Strip and called for political and diplomatic support to reach a comprehensive resolution. The final communique, issued following the 164th Session of the GCC Ministerial Council in Kuwait, reaffirmed the GCC’s position in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza and highlighted the urgency of alleviating their suffering.

The Council called for an end to the Israeli-imposed blockade, the opening of all border crossings to facilitate the entry of aid, and the delivery of necessities to the civilian population in the Strip. It condemned the announcement by Israeli authorities regarding an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from Gaza and affirmed support for the resilience of the Palestinian people on their territories.

The Council rejected attempts to depopulate Gaza and stressed the importance of respecting the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state. It held the Israeli occupation accountable for its violations in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of civilians, acts that constitute war crimes under international law.

The Council condemned the Israeli plan to fragment settlement enclaves in the West Bank, its construction of settlement units, and the eviction of Palestinians from their homes. It rejected attempts to annex West Bank settlements to the Israeli entity.

On the Gulf front, the Council emphasized its commitment to the strength and cohesion of the GCC, the unity of its ranks, and the advancement of greater coordination across all sectors to fulfill the aspirations of GCC citizens. It affirmed that member states stand in solidarity against any threat to GCC states.

The Council noted the political efforts by GCC member states and Arab nations to cease the Israeli aggression against Gaza, commending the humanitarian assistance extended by GCC states, including campaigns to support the Palestinian people.

The Council praised the outcomes of the Gulf-US Summit 2025, hosted by Saudi Arabia, and the Second ASEAN-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur, which underscored strategic alignment and reinforced multilateral cooperation.

On the Syrian issue, the Council stressed the importance of upholding Syria’s sovereignty and independence, rejecting foreign interference in its affairs. It affirmed that Syria’s security is a pillar of regional security.

Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, the Council reiterated that its stance is based on international law and the UN Charter, emphasizing the preservation of the rules-based international order. It noted the diplomatic efforts led by Saudi Arabia, particularly its hosting of talks between Russia and the USA over the Ukraine crisis, expressing hope for advancing security and stability.

The Council welcomed the ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan and their decision to prioritize restraint, expressing hope that it would pave the way for regional security and stability.