Saudi summit: Leaders meet to discuss Middle East conflicts | BBC News

Summary

Arab and Muslim leaders are meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, with a focus on Israel's actions in the region. The summit, a year after the last one, aims to push for ceasefires and advance Palestinian state plans amid Israel's wars with Hamas, Hezbollah, and other factions. Tensions over Israel's role and potential US involvement under Donald Trump are also highlighted, with significant shifts in Middle East dynamics, including the involvement of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and Saudi Arabia's evolving relationship with Iran.

Takeaways

• 😀 Arab and Muslim leaders are meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
• 😀 The summit in Riyadh will focus on Israel's ongoing aggression in the region and the Israeli strikes on Gaza and Northern Lebanon.
• 😀 Israeli airstrikes have killed dozens, including several children, in Gaza and Lebanon according to local officials.
• 😀 Israel's new defense minister claims the country is close to defeating Hezbollah after the killing of the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah in September.
• 😀 This is the second emergency Arab and Islamic summit addressing Israeli aggression, a year after the first summit in Riyadh.
• 😀 The summit aims to push for ceasefires in both Lebanon and Gaza and discuss the creation of a Palestinian state.
• 😀 Reaching a consensus at the summit will be challenging due to differing views from countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and others that have peace with Israel versus countries like Iran and Algeria opposed to it.
• 😀 Former US President Donald Trump's potential second term is overshadowing the summit, with expectations of stronger US-Israel relations and possibly more lenient actions against Iran.
• 😀 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is likely to welcome Trump, as Trump has strong ties with both Saudi Arabia and Israel.
• 😀 Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's attendance at the summit signals potential changes in Middle East dynamics, including a shift toward stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
• 😀 The US has strongly condemned Iran in recent days, while speculation grows about how the US's stance will evolve if Trump returns to office, especially regarding Iran.

Q & A

What is the focus of the summit in Riyadh?

The summit in Riyadh focuses on the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon, with discussions centered on Israel's aggression in the region, as well as efforts to push for a ceasefire and plans for a Palestinian state.

What significant event occurred in September regarding Hezbollah?

In September, Israel killed the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nazala, which Israel considers a major achievement in its efforts against the group.

Why is the Riyadh summit considered significant?

The summit is significant because it brings together Arab and Muslim leaders to discuss the growing conflicts in the region, including Israel's war with Hamas, Hezbollah, and other groups, and aims to find solutions such as a ceasefire and a path towards a Palestinian state.

What are the two main goals of the summit in Riyadh?

The two main goals are to push for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza and to advance plans for the creation of a Palestinian state.

How has the Middle East conflict evolved in the past year?

In the past year, the conflict in the Middle East has escalated beyond Hamas in Gaza, with Israel also at war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and engaging intermittently with the Houthis in Yemen and Iran.

Why is reaching consensus at the summit expected to be difficult?

Reaching consensus is expected to be difficult due to differing stances among countries. Some have full diplomatic relations with Israel, such as the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, Jordan, and Egypt, while others, like Iran and Algeria, remain opposed to Israel.

What is the impact of Donald Trump's potential second term on the Middle East?

If Donald Trump returns to office, his pro-Israel stance is expected to influence US policies, likely giving Israel more freedom to act, particularly regarding Iran. His relationship with Saudi Arabia could also strengthen ties in the region.

How did Saudi Arabia view Trump's visit in 2017?

Saudi Arabia viewed Trump's visit in 2017 as a significant gesture, as it was his first overseas visit as president. The Saudis were pleased and flattered by his choice of Riyadh as the destination.

Why is the attendance of Bashar al-Assad at the summit notable?

Bashar al-Assad's attendance at the summit is notable because it signals a shift in Middle Eastern dynamics, suggesting potential changes in relationships between Arab countries and possibly even in the role of the US in the region.

What is the significance of the US stance on Iran as discussed in the summit?

The US has strongly condemned Iran, and if Trump returns to power, it is expected that the US stance on Iran will become tougher, which could influence regional power dynamics, particularly in relation to Israel and Saudi Arabia.