The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders convened in Kuwait on Sunday, issuing a unified call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza amid "Israel's" ongoing genocidal campaign.

The summit's final statement urged a complete halt to military operations, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of safe corridors for civilians in the beleaguered Palestinian territory.

Humanitarian Appeal

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah led the call, urging the international community to prioritize the protection of innocent civilians.

He criticized "double standards in the application of relevant international laws, charters and resolutions", warning that such inconsistencies have undermined the region's stability.

He further expressed optimism over recent ceasefire efforts, including those between "Israel" and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other countries likewise welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon and  expressed hope that these developments would help reduce regional tensions.

Regional Implications

The summit comes in light of international scrutiny over "Israel's" genocidal campaign.

Saudi Arabia, once close to normalizing ties with "Israel", has since hardened its stance, insisting that peace is contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The Gulf monarchies are also working to stabilize relations with Iran to avoid broader regional escalation, as per reports.

GCC leaders also acknowledged the devastating toll of the nearly 14-month war on Lebanon, where indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes displaced over 1.3 million civilians.

Sheikh Meshal praised Saudi Arabia's initiatives to promote global advocacy for Palestinian statehood, alongside efforts by Iran and other GCC nations.

Read more: Saudi Arabia drops pursuit of US Defense pact over 'Israel' stalemate

Military Cooperation

In a related announcement, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi confirmed that the six-member bloc will hold joint military drills, dubbed "Peninsula Shield," in the UAE in 2026.

These exercises mark the continuation of strengthened defense ties among GCC nations, following a series of drills in 2024.

Albudaiwi highlighted the importance of bolstering military readiness, particularly in the face of regional security challenges.

"The Gulf countries strengthened their military cooperation in 2024 by holding a series of joint military drills and look forward to holding the Peninsula Shield joint drills in the UAE during 2026, which will be the result of the joint military cooperation process," Albudaiwi said at the summit.

Read more: Iran, Saudi Arabia to conduct joint naval drills in Red Sea