Manama: The Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has lauded the State of Qatar for its significant role in mediating with regional and international parties to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the release of hostages and detainees. The council acknowledged Qatar's contributions to advancing negotiations and reinforcing agreements that aim to establish a just and comprehensive peace process enhancing regional stability.

According to Qatar News Agency, this recognition was part of the final communique issued at the conclusion of the 46th session of the GCC Supreme Council held in Manama, Bahrain. The session, chaired by Bahrain, also highlighted the collaboration between Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye, and the United States in reaching an agreement concerning Gaza, which marks the inception of a comprehensive peace plan.

The council praised the success of the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit and acknowledged the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Congo River Alliance. The Supreme Council underscored the commitment to addressing conflict root causes through dialogue and reconciliation, facilitated by Qatar, under the principles of the Doha Declaration.

The GCC further commended Qatar's initiatives in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly focusing on women and children in conflict zones, and its successful hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development. Additionally, the council welcomed the opening of the natural gas pipeline between Turkiye and Syria and supported Qatar's bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Emphasizing regional security, the council condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, called for humanitarian aid access, and reiterated support for a Palestinian state. On Iran, the GCC stressed cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and condemned Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The council also affirmed the UAE's sovereignty over disputed islands with Iran.

The communique expressed support for stability efforts in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, and Somalia, and reiterated backing for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. The GCC leaders concluded by emphasizing the importance of protecting regional waterways and advocating for diplomacy to ensure stability.