The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers have agreed to send a collective letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The aim is to urge US authorities to begin addressing all antisemitic measures and explanations related to Palestinian issues. This development was reported by the television channel Al Arabiya, citing Jassim al-Budaiwi, the Secretary General of the Council.
The ministers who lead the GCC states condemned recent remarks by Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli Finance Minister, about the Palestinian people and the city of Huwara. Smotrich had previously asserted that the Palestinian people do not exist and publicly called for actions to destroy the Palestinian town of Huwara.
The GCC letter requests that the United States take responsibility for responding to all statements and actions directed at the Palestinian people. It also calls on Washington to play a constructive role in seeking a fair resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, according to Al Arabiya.
Smotrich’s remarks, including the claim about wiping Huwara off the map, have drawn strong backlash and raised concerns about the potential impact on civilians and regional stability. The GCC ministers emphasized the importance of safeguarding human rights and ensuring accountability for inflammatory rhetoric that affects civilians on the ground.
The collective approach from GCC capitals reflects a broader desire among partner states to see a balanced and peaceful path forward in the region. The diplomats stressed that any sustainable settlement should address the rights and security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians, while Upholding international law and humanitarian norms.
As the situation evolves, the GCC’s démarche highlights the role of traditional allies and regional blocs in shaping the discourse around Palestinian governance, settlement activity, and the protection of civilians. The ministers noted that diplomacy and consistent engagement with major international actors, including the United States, remain essential to advancing a durable peace and preventing further escalations on the ground.
Observers say the move signals a growing willingness among Gulf states to articulate clear red lines on rhetoric that could inflame tensions, while also urging restraint and adherence to humane principles in policies affecting Palestinian communities. The GCC’s stance underscores the importance of dialogue, verification of facts, and a commitment to international norms in addressing the complexities of the conflict.
For readers following Middle East diplomacy, the GCC’s message to Washington offers a glimpse into how regional powers are seeking to anchor the peace process in a framework that prioritizes stability, accountability, and humanitarian considerations, even as negotiations and competing narrative claims continue to unfold in the international arena. The channel Al Arabiya, reporting on the statement, noted the GCC’s expectation that the United States will actively engage in shaping a just and lasting solution for Palestinians and Israelis alike.