The leaders of Arab nations convened in Cairo for an extraordinary summit to address the ongoing Palestinian crisis. Hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and coordinated with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the summit was called upon the request of the State of Palestine. The meeting reaffirmed the Arab world’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause and the pursuit of a just and comprehensive peace.
Commitment to Palestinian rights and peace
The summit emphasized that the Palestinian cause remains the central issue of the Arab world, reaffirming Arab unity in defending the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Leaders reiterated their dedication to correcting the historical injustice suffered by Palestinians and acknowledged their extraordinary resilience in the face of ongoing aggression.
Reaffirming the principles of the Bahrain Declaration issued on May 16, 2024, the summit underscored the importance of tolerance, coexistence, and respect among nations. Leaders called for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force in occupied Palestinian territories until a two-state solution is achieved.
Key resolutions and calls to action
- Endorsing a just and comprehensive peace: The Arab nations reaffirmed their strategic choice of peace, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. They upheld the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and rejected all forms of violence and extremism.
- International engagement for peace: The summit called for intensified cooperation with international powers, including the United States, to restart peace negotiations. Leaders urged the convening of an international conference to facilitate the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
- Rejection of displacement and ethnic cleansing: Arab leaders categorically rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians, condemning such actions as crimes against humanity. They denounced policies that seek to alter the demographic composition of Palestinian territories.
- Condemnation of humanitarian blockades: The summit strongly condemned Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, labeling them violations of international law. Leaders demanded the immediate reopening of border crossings to allow essential aid and relief efforts.
- Warning against regional destabilization: The leaders cautioned that any attempts to annex Palestinian land or displace its people would lead to further regional conflicts. They emphasized the critical role of Egypt and Jordan in preventing such developments.
- Support for Gaza reconstruction: The Arab nations endorsed an Egyptian-led plan, coordinated with the World Bank and the United Nations, for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction. They urged international financial institutions to mobilize resources for this initiative.
- Full implementation of the ceasefire agreement: The summit emphasized the need to ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement, particularly by Israel, to facilitate the safe return of displaced Palestinians and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
- International conference for Gaza reconstruction: Arab leaders welcomed the proposal to hold a conference in Cairo to accelerate Gaza’s rehabilitation, advocating for the establishment of a trust fund for reconstruction efforts.
- Diplomatic efforts for Palestinian statehood: The summit mandated Arab foreign ministers to engage in international diplomatic initiatives, pressing for an end to the Israeli occupation and mobilizing global support for Palestinian statehood.
- Establishment of a Gaza administration committee: The leaders endorsed the Palestinian decision to establish a transitional Gaza Administration Committee under the Palestinian government. They also supported training Palestinian security forces to ensure stability and law enforcement under legitimate Palestinian institutions.
A unified Arab stance
The extraordinary summit reaffirmed the Arab world’s collective stance against aggression and injustice in Palestine. Arab leaders emphasized that peace and stability in the region depend on the full recognition of Palestinian rights and the implementation of a viable two-state solution. The Cairo Statement serves as a unified call to action for the international community to uphold justice, ensure Palestinian self-determination, and foster long-term peace in the Middle East.
