At the conclusion of its extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers held in Jeddah, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reaffirmed the firm and unwavering position of its member states regarding the centrality of the Palestinian cause, stressing its categorical rejection of all Israeli measures aimed at changing the legal and historical status of the occupied territories, including attempts to strengthen settlement activity and impose alleged sovereignty over the West Bank and Jerusalem.

The centrality of the issue and historical responsibility

This meeting comes at a highly sensitive time for the region, serving as a reminder of the foundational role of the organization, which was established primarily to defend Jerusalem. The ministers reaffirmed the political, legal, and moral responsibility of the Islamic world to stand in full solidarity with the Palestinian people, guided by the principles of the UN Charter, which criminalizes the acquisition of territory by force.

The final statement stressed that Palestinian rights are inalienable, foremost among them the right to self-determination, the right of return, and the realization of the independence of a sovereign State of Palestine on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as the fundamental pillar of any just and comprehensive peace in the region.

Rejection of unilateral actions and provocative statements

The meeting condemned in the strongest terms the escalating steps taken by Israel, the occupying power, to impose a new colonial reality through settlement expansion and the deepening of its policies of Judaization and land confiscation. The organization deemed these measures “null and void” under international law and considered them war crimes that threaten international peace and security.

In a related context, the organization condemned recent statements by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, and the steps taken to provide consular services to settlers in the West Bank. The statement emphasized that such actions constitute a violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and a direct endorsement of the illegal settlement project, stressing that they will not alter the legal status of the occupied territory.

Palestinian land unity and support for Gaza

The organization unequivocally affirmed the unity of the Palestinian territory as a single, indivisible geopolitical entity, encompassing the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. The meeting called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, a complete Israeli withdrawal, and the facilitation of unhindered humanitarian access, declaring the organization's full support for the State of Palestine in its recovery and reconstruction plans.

The participants also renewed their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), condemning the Israeli attacks and measures against it, and calling on the international community to provide the necessary financial and political support for the continuation of its vital work.

Regional and international dimensions

The meeting did not overlook the escalating tensions in the Middle East, with ministers expressing grave concern over the rhetoric of confrontation and threats of force, including those related to Iran. The statement emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are the only path to achieving lasting security, warning that any military escalation would have disastrous consequences for the global economy and energy security.

In conclusion, the organization welcomed the diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing the escalation, appreciating the role of mediating countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and affirming its determination to take all legal and political measures in international forums, including the Security Council and the International Court of Justice, to hold the occupation accountable and end the era of colonialism.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a telephone call today from the Right Honourable British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This call comes within the framework of ongoing communication between the leaderships of the two friendly countries to enhance joint coordination in various fields.

During the call, the two sides reviewed the distinguished bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, discussing areas of bilateral cooperation and mechanisms for strengthening them in a way that serves the common interests of the two friendly nations. The call also addressed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, and the efforts being made to promote security and stability.

The depth of historical relations and strategic partnership

Saudi-British relations are based on a long historical legacy spanning more than a century and are characterized by a strategic nature encompassing various political, economic, and security spheres. The two countries work diligently through the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council to align their shared objectives. The United Kingdom is a key partner for the Kingdom in its development journey, while Saudi Arabia represents a fundamental pillar of economic and political stability in the Middle East region.

Prospects for cooperation under Vision 2030

Cooperation between Riyadh and London is gaining further momentum under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which opens up vast opportunities for investment and economic partnerships. British companies are eager to contribute to the Kingdom’s mega-projects, particularly in the renewable energy, technology, financial services, infrastructure, and tourism sectors. This engagement reflects the commitment of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government to sustaining and developing this fruitful economic partnership and capitalizing on the promising opportunities offered by the growing Saudi economy.

Coordinating positions on international issues

Internationally, both Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom play pivotal roles within the G20, making coordination between them vital for addressing global challenges. This call underscores the importance of ongoing consultations between the Crown Prince and the British Prime Minister on pressing issues, including global energy security, counterterrorism, and working towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts, thus reinforcing the two countries' role as influential players in international decision-making.

In a dangerous strategic shift that threatens to reshape the security landscape in South Asia, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif officially declared "open war" with the Taliban-led Afghan government. This announcement marks the culmination of escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and comes in response to a series of deadly attacks targeting Pakistani territory, prompting Islamabad to fundamentally alter its rules of engagement.

Details of the airstrikes and the declaration of war

The explicit announcement came via the "X" platform, where Minister Asif confirmed his country's strategic impatience with what he described as continued provocations from the Afghan side, declaring in a decisive tone: "Now it is open war between us and you." The response on the ground was swift, as violent explosions rocked the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Friday, amid heavy fighter jet activity, anti-aircraft fire, and gunfire, triggering panic among the civilian population.

In an official confirmation of the operations, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar explained that the Pakistani Air Force had carried out precision strikes targeting specific locations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Tarar indicated that these operations were a necessary defensive measure in response to attacks launched by elements within Afghan territory against Pakistani military installations, emphasizing that the targets struck belonged to the Taliban and were being used to threaten Pakistan's security.

Roots of the conflict: From "strategic depth" to open hostility

To understand the gravity of this escalation, one must consider the complex historical context of relations between the two countries. Pakistan has long viewed Afghanistan as its strategic depth, and Islamabad hoped that the Taliban's return to power in August 2021 would secure Pakistan's western border. However, the opposite has occurred; Islamabad accuses Kabul of providing safe havens for fighters of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), who have intensified their suicide and military attacks against the Pakistani army—an accusation the Taliban government consistently denies.

The Durand Line also stands out as one of the most prominent points of historical contention; this border line, drawn by British colonialism, is not recognized by successive Afghan governments, including the current Taliban government, making the border areas a constant source of tension and frequent clashes. However, the development of the matter to the bombing of capitals by warplanes is a rare precedent.

Potential regional and international repercussions

This military escalation has alarming repercussions that extend far beyond the borders of these two countries. Regionally, this conflict is putting the entire region on a knife's edge, with observers fearing that the instability could trigger new waves of Afghan refugees fleeing to Pakistan and Iran, exacerbating the humanitarian and economic crisis. Furthermore, the resulting security vacuum could be exploited by other extremist groups, such as the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), to expand their influence and launch cross-border attacks.

Internationally, the international community, particularly the major powers involved in counterterrorism efforts, is watching this development with grave concern. The shift from border skirmishes to open warfare between a powerful regular army and irregular forces experienced in guerrilla warfare could drag the region into a protracted conflict, threatening regional infrastructure and economic projects and reshuffling the security landscape in Central and South Asia.