Mon Nov 11 08:07:57 UTC 2024: ## Arab and Muslim Leaders to Gather in Saudi Arabia for Summit on Gaza and Lebanon, Signaling to Trump

**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Arab and Muslim leaders will convene in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a summit focused on the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon, offering a platform to send a message to US President-elect Donald Trump. This gathering comes one year after a similar summit in Riyadh condemned Israeli actions in Gaza.

The summit is anticipated to be a key opportunity for regional leaders to articulate their desired direction for US engagement in the region. Analysts predict that the message will center on dialogue, de-escalation, and denouncing Israeli military campaigns.

The current conflict in Gaza erupted in October 2023 with Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel, leading to significant casualties on both sides. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, joined the conflict, resulting in escalated cross-border exchanges. Despite international criticism of Israel’s military campaign’s impact on Gaza civilians, outgoing US President Joe Biden maintained strong military support for Israel throughout the conflict.

Trump’s previous stance as a staunch supporter of Israel, including recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and endorsing Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, has raised concerns among Arab and Muslim leaders. While Saudi Arabia did not join the Abraham Accords, Trump cultivated close ties with the Gulf kingdom during his presidency.

Experts believe the upcoming summit will serve as a platform for Saudi Arabia to reiterate its position as a key regional partner for the US. The message will likely emphasize the kingdom’s representation of the Muslim world and its willingness to work with the US in furthering American interests in the region.

While the summit is expected to include strong condemnation of Israel’s actions, it will also likely call for increased American leverage and diplomacy in resolving the conflict. The event will also showcase the shifting dynamics in the region since Trump’s last term, with Iran’s involvement and the recent rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

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