Gambiaj.com – (NEW YORK, United States) — In a significant diplomatic move, Saudi Arabia unveiled a new international alliance on Friday during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, aiming to unite Arab, Muslim, and European nations in pursuit of a Palestinian state. The announcement came shortly after a high-level meeting between Gambian President Adama Barrow, in his role as Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha.

The Saudi state news agency, SPA, reported that the coalition, which brings together member states from the OIC and key European nations, is committed to advancing the establishment of a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhane, reiterated the goal of the alliance as facilitating peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine, with both sides living “side by side in peace and security.”

President Barrow, in his capacity as OIC Chairman, has instructed the OIC’s Riyadh-based team to develop a three-year Strategic Plan aimed at fostering peace and progress across the regions within the OIC member states. The initiative also seeks to address broader issues within conflict-affected areas, promoting stability and development through international cooperation.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Farhane stressed that the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas could no longer be justified as a form of “self-defense” by Israel. Since the start of Israel’s offensive in Gaza on October 7, 2023, in response to a deadly Hamas attack, over 41,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to figures released by Gaza’s health ministry and confirmed by the United Nations. On the Israeli side, more than 1,200 people, mainly civilians, have died, many as a result of the initial Hamas attack or subsequent military action in Gaza.

“Self-defense cannot justify the killing of tens of thousands of civilians, systematic destruction, forced displacement, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war,” said Prince Farhane in his statement, as reported by SPA.

The escalating violence has effectively put an end to the dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Israel regarding potential diplomatic recognition, a process that had been in motion before the outbreak of hostilities. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, declared on September 18 that the Kingdom would not pursue formal relations with Israel until the creation of a Palestinian state is achieved.

Looking ahead, a series of meetings is planned in both Arab and European countries to discuss the practical implementation of the new initiative. According to a Saudi official speaking on the condition of anonymity, a major international conference is scheduled to take place in Riyadh later this year to further advance the coalition’s goals.

The international community has been witnessing growing recognition of Palestine by individual European nations in recent months. Ireland, Norway, and Spain recognized the State of Palestine in May, followed by Slovenia in June, signaling a rising tide of support for Palestinian statehood amid the continuing conflict.