In a month that marks the one-year anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel and the start of the subsequent war in Gaza, and now the wider region, the IPU is redoubling its diplomatic efforts.
Last week, IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong met with several Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva who represent countries directly impacted by the Middle East crisis.
The meetings included discussions with Ambassador Daniel Meron of Israel, Ambassador Akram Sa'ud Harahsheh of Jordan, Ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi of Palestine and Ambassador Jamal Jama Al Musharakh of the United Arab Emirates.
The Secretary General also welcomed Mr. Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta, a permanent observer to the IPU, to explore avenues for resolving disputes through interfaith dialogue.
Designed to lay the groundwork for parliamentary diplomacy during the 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva from 13-17 October 2024, these efforts complement the traditional diplomatic channels of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
Parliamentarians from many of the countries affected by the crisis in the Middle East are expected to participate in the IPU Assembly in Geneva next week.
During the Assembly, the IPU Committee on Middle East Questions, made up of 12 MPs, including representatives from Israel and Palestine, will consider what parliamentary actions can contribute to de-escalating the crisis and finding new pathways to peace.
Also at the Assembly, the IPU Standing Committee on Peace and International Security will hold an expert hearing on the theme The role of parliaments in advancing a two-State solution in Palestine.