KUWAIT: The Union of Kuwaiti Women Associations on Wednesday announced solidarity with the Palestinian people in facing "the Zionist enemy with an iron will” and embracing martyrdom for liberating the homeland. The chairperson, Sheikha Fadia Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, said in a statement that the "Al-Aqsa Flood” operation is a battle for history and dignity... a battle of the brave who do not dread martyrdom.”
She hailed the Palestinian combatants who "breached the fortified fence around the Gaza Strip, stunning the world and creating political and security paralysis in the Zionist institutions." "We are on your side; we affirm our principled and unwavering stand of supporting you until you attain your rights and an independent state,” she said, addressing the Palestinians.
United in our position
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Al Budaiwi, stressed Tuesday that the six-member GCC is united in issues that are related to the Palestinian cause. Speaking at a press conference after the EU-GCC joint Council and Ministerial meeting in Muscat, Oman, he said, "We are unified with the Palestinian cause and on the two-state solution."
Al-Budawi stressed that the GCC rejects all attacks against civilians and hoped that a swift solution would be reached for the Palestinian cause in order for the Palestinian population to live in peace according to the two-state solution and in alignment with international and UN resolutions. Referring to the outcome of the meeting, he said they discussed, in addition to regional and international issues, EU-GCC relations and cooperation in a number of areas.
They spoke about intensifying economic cooperation, increasing trade and investment levels, and coordination on humanitarian assistance as well as counter-terrorism and cyber security issues. They also discussed climate change, energy security, health, education, research, and preliminary agreements to launch a regional forum on security matters for the exchanging of ideas on security on the regional and international level, he said.
On his part, Sayyid Bader Bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, the host of the meeting, told the joint press conference that the EU and the GCC agreed on the importance of self-restraint, de-escalation, and protection of children in addition to releasing civilian prisoners from both the Palestinian and Zionist sides. The best way to achieve peace is to find a solution on the basis of a two-state solution, he stressed.
On his part, EU High Representative Josep Borrell told the same press conference, "It was a very important and fruitful meeting that enhanced our partnership." "We agreed that the meeting was a success," he said. The Joint Council is an opportunity to reaffirm the EU's strong commitment to a strategic partnership with the Gulf and for partners to exchange views on a wide range of issues, notably energy, climate, security, humanitarian aid, and regional files, he noted.
They discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as developments in Sudan and Yemen, he said, noting that Oman is playing an important mediation role in Yemen. On Palestine, Borrell said the two sides condemned all attacks against civilians. The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. - KUNA