Arab and Muslim Leaders Call for United West Action to Stop Gaza Violence

Arab and Muslim leaders from 57 countries have gathered in Riyadh to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza and express their discontent towards the West, particularly the United States. Leaders criticized the West for its perceived double standards and hypocrisy in condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine while not doing the same for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The summit aimed to send a message of unity and put pressure on Israel’s biggest supporter, the United States, to intervene and end the war. However, there was no consensus on how to achieve this goal. The summit also saw unexpected alliances, with Iran in attendance despite its historical rivalry with Saudi Arabia. While concrete actions were not taken against Western countries, the summit highlighted the changing dynamics in the Middle East, where Arab-Israeli relations, once on a path of normalization, are now becoming strained. Arab and Muslim leaders expressed concerns about the radicalization of their youth and the growing popularity of extremist narratives due to the ongoing violence in Gaza. They also criticized the United Nations Security Council for failing to restrain Israel’s military actions. The summit shed light on the evolving relationships between the West, Middle Eastern countries, and emerging powers like China and Russia.