Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said that the 33rd Arab Summit, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, is of high importance given the unprecedented crises and developments the region is going through, particularly the catastrophic conditions in Gaza, in addition to discussing many Arab issues. This came during the participation of the Secretary General in the 33rd regular session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level, chaired by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Thursday in Manama, with the participation of a number of leaders and representatives of Arab countries. In his remarks, the Secretary General extended thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for the efforts, full support, and necessary facilitation provided by the kingdom to host and organise the Arab Summit in a manner that will contribute to achieving positive results and outcomes at this summit. Furthermore, Albudaiwi also expressed his confident aspirations that the 33rd Arab Summit would contribute to developing and strengthening Arab relations, increasing solidarity among them to confront the security and stability challenges, and enhancing joint Arab collective action and cooperation in all fields. The Secretary General said that this summit was held as the irresponsible Israeli attacks and violations continue against the Palestinian people and the Gaza Strip in particular, which requires all of us to work together to urge the international community with all its countries, institutions and organisations to stop the serious violations and the ongoing Israeli military escalation in the Gaza Strip. In conclusion of his statement, the Secretary General affirmed the fixed stance of the GCC countries towards the Palestinian cause as it is the first cause of Arabs and Muslims, and supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Source: Bahrain News Agen cy