Aden- 

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah has called on the international community to implement “an immediate ceasefire, provide international protection for innocent civilians, and ensure the opening of safe corridors for the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid.”

He was addressing the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Kuwait on Sunday.

In his speech, Sheikh Meshal hit out at what he called “double standards in the application of relevant international laws, charters and resolutions” which he said had undermined “the region’s security and stability.”

“Civilians in Gaza must be protected and provided with aid,” he said

“We reiterate our unwavering support to Palestine and to end the Israeli occupation, attain all their political rights, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions,” he stressed.

“We also commend Qatar, Egypt, and the US for their mediation efforts in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and welcome the ceasefire in Lebanon as a step toward de-escalation.”

The Emir echoed support for a two-state solution on the Palestinian issue, and reiterated “We support Saudi efforts to push for two-state solution.”

He said Kuwait was “optimistic” about a ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon that he said would contribute “to reducing escalation in the region.”

The summit in addition to discussing the war in Gaza, which entered its second year in October, will tackle developments in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

Gulf leaders will also discuss means of boosting economic integration among member states and expanding horizons of joint Gulf work.

Gulf leaders earlier arrived in Kuwait ahead of the 45th GCC summit, which aimed to underscore the importance of collective action among nations in the region.