On October 9, 2023, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib traveled to Muscat, the capital of Oman, to participate in a ministerial meeting between the European Union (EU) and

the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The primary focus of these discussions is to address the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, with Belgium's top priority being the cessation of violence, the protection of civilians, and the adherence to international law.

Earlier, Lahbib had strongly condemned the attacks by Hamas on Israel, emphasizing that violence and terrorism only prolong suffering and obstruct the path to peaceful dialogue. She expressed solidarity with all those affected by the conflict and reiterated that Israel, like any nation, has the right to self-defense while adhering to international law to safeguard its civilians.

Lahbib emphasized the importance of collaborating with Gulf partners to explore various avenues for resuming dialogue and reviving the peace process. She stressed that countries in the region play a crucial role in this process, underscoring the need to prevent regional escalation and foster collective efforts toward peace.

The Gulf Cooperation Council is a regional intergovernmental union consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, making it a significant player in addressing the Middle East conflict. Photo by Corey Sipkin, Wikimedia commons.