Leaders from Arab and Islamic nations have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia for an extraordinary summit scheduled for November 11, 2024. The summit aims to address the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as regional developments. The meeting was called by Saudi Arabia in response to continued Israeli bombardments in Palestinian territories and Lebanon, according to Saudi state media.
The summit follows a previous meeting in late October where Saudi officials announced the formation of an international coalition to advance a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The upcoming discussions will build on the joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on the same date last year, initiated by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, chaired a preparatory ministerial meeting in Riyadh on November 10, discussing the agenda and key issues for the summit. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib emphasized Lebanon's intention to bolster military presence in the south, advocating for a ceasefire and adherence to UN Resolution 1701.
The conflict in Gaza erupted following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties. Israeli retaliatory strikes have led to a reported death toll exceeding 43,600 in Gaza, predominantly civilians. The conflict has also spilled over into Lebanon, where Hezbollah has engaged Israeli forces since October 8, 2023.
In Ukraine, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andrey Kovalenko, has advised skepticism regarding U.S. political statements about Ukraine until the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Kovalenko expressed that any proposed resolutions to the ongoing conflict with Russia lack real foundation until the new administration is in place. His comments follow statements from Republican Brian Lanza, who suggested Ukraine should prioritize peace over reclaiming occupied territories.
In Iran, political prisoner Vrisheh Moradi has been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran on charges of 'rebellion.' The court proceedings reportedly denied her and her legal representatives the opportunity to defend themselves adequately. Moradi, a member of the Free Women of East Kurdistan, was arrested in August 2023 and has faced severe restrictions during her detention.