The minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation for Sierra Leone, Timothy Musa Kabba, has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to prevent civilian deaths, especially those of women and children who are the most vulnerable groups engaged in the conflict. Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Extraordinary Session of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Jeddah, Minister Kabba underlined the necessity for all stakeholders to uphold international law and safeguard civilians.
In line with the United Nations Charter, Minister Kabba reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to multilateralism and the international legal order. In addition to reiterating the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights, he called for increased political and diplomatic efforts to bring about a “two-state solution” that would guarantee security and peace for both Israel and Palestine. He emphasised how crucial it is to respect international humanitarian law to safeguard Gaza’s vital infrastructure and populace.
Calls for an end to Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people were also made by Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, who presided over the CFM conference. He underlined that to save civilians, end the siege on Gaza, and deliver humanitarian aid, the international community and the UN Security Council must step in. Concerned about the bombardment and invasion of Rafah, Prince Faisal issued a dire warning that more military actions would only worsen the situation for Gaza’s civilian population.
Over 30,700 people have died in Gaza overall, with two-thirds of those killed being women and children. The region is currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis as a result of the deliberate destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals. To stop the violence and safeguard civilians, foreign ministers and delegates of OIC member states denounced Israeli aggression and demanded an immediate ceasefire.
To put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and work towards a long-term resolution to the conflict, the international community must move quickly. Achieving peace in the region depends on the creation of a Palestinian state on the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital. A framework for a peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is provided by the Arab Peace Initiative and pertinent international resolutions.
The request made by Minister Kabba for an instant ceasefire in Gaza is indicative of Sierra Leone’s dedication to respecting international law and defending the rights of civilians residing in conflict areas. To end the violence and guarantee everyone’s safety and security in the area, the OIC Member States must work together. Long-term peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East can only be reached through diplomatic and political means.
