Gambiaj.com (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, Sering Modou Njie, has urged the international community to intensify efforts to break the siege on Gaza and deliver urgent humanitarian aid to Palestinians, describing the situation as “inhumane, genocidal, and catastrophic.”

Speaking in an interview in Saudi Arabia with Asharq Al-Awsat, an Arabic international newspaper headquartered in London, Minister Njie commended Saudi Arabia and France for their leadership in co-chairing the UN High-Level Conference on Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution held in New York in July.

He expressed The Gambia’s strong support for the adoption of the New York Declaration and its annex ahead of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly this month.

“The Gambia renews its commendation and full alignment with the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution initiated by Saudi Arabia,” Njie said. “We believe that the great efforts of the Kingdom in championing international support in this regard are gaining significant dividends.”

The minister underscored that the best path to lasting peace between Israel and Palestine lies in a two-state solution that guarantees sovereignty and self-determination for both peoples.

As Chair of the 15th OIC Islamic Summit, The Gambia has reiterated its call for continued mobilization of global recognition and UN membership for the State of Palestine.

‘Genocidal’ Conditions in Gaza

Njie strongly condemned what he called “unprecedented military aggression” by Israeli forces against civilians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

He accused Israel of committing war crimes, genocide, and mass displacement, warning of devastating long-term consequences for Palestinian children and regional stability.

“The humanitarian catastrophe is devastating, with far-reaching consequences not only for the region but also for the Muslim Ummah and the international community,” he said. “The obstruction of humanitarian aid and targeting of aid convoys and workers constitute blatant violations of international humanitarian law.”

He called for an urgent, coordinated international response to protect human rights, ensure aid delivery, and promote peace.

The upcoming 21st Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, he added, is expected to produce “concrete implementable outcomes” to address the plight of Palestinians.

Strengthening Gambia–Saudi Arabia Relations

On bilateral relations, Njie hailed The Gambia’s long-standing ties with Saudi Arabia, noting they are rooted in “mutual respect, solidarity, and shared Islamic culture.”

He welcomed Riyadh’s decision to open a resident embassy in Banjul and highlighted The Gambia’s 2024 move to abolish entry visas for Saudi nationals as a step to boost people-to-people exchanges, trade, and investment.

He also praised Saudi Arabia’s continued support for The Gambia’s national development programs and for facilitating Banjul’s successful assumption of the OIC chairmanship.

Following his recent meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Jeddah, Njie revealed that both countries agreed to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.