Cairo: The Council of the League of Arab States, during its 164th ordinary session at the General Secretariat in Cairo, has called on the global community to take immediate action to protect the Palestinian people from ongoing Israeli offenses, in alignment with international law and resolutions. The Council has also shown support for Qatari-Egyptian initiatives aimed at establishing a lasting ceasefire and restoring normalcy in the Gaza Strip.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Council emphasized the importance of the Palestinian cause to the Arab world, reaffirming the Arab identity of occupied Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and asserting the right of Palestine to full sovereignty over territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. The Council condemned acts of aggression and crimes against humanity purportedly committed by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. It criticized Israeli plans to annex the West Bank and exert full military control over Gaza.
The Council also expressed strong rejection of Israeli prime minister's statements regarding a Greater Israel, viewing it as a threat to regional security. It urged the UN Security Council to enforce resolutions compelling Israel to cease hostile actions, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and prevent the displacement of Palestinians. The Council called on Algeria and Somalia, the Arab members of the Security Council, to persist in their efforts to address these issues.
The League condemned Israel's alleged use of starvation as a weapon, leading to severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, as highlighted in a recent food security report. It urged international intervention to end the blockade and ensure adequate humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Additionally, the Council rejected any displacement of Palestinians, viewing such actions as violations of international law.
The Council called for international pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories and comply with international court opinions and UN resolutions. It also urged global nations to reconsider their economic ties with Israel and investigate alleged crimes against Palestinians.
The Council praised efforts by Saudi Arabia and France in a recent international conference aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue and urged Arab states to participate in upcoming discussions on the two-state solution. It also supported Palestine's right to full UN membership and encouraged states to recognize Palestine as a sovereign entity.
The Council condemned attacks on international organizations operating in relief efforts and reaffirmed support for Syria's right to reclaim the occupied Golan Heights. It criticized Israeli actions in the Golan and reaffirmed adherence to international resolutions recognizing Syrian sovereignty over the region.
The Council reiterated support for Lebanon's sovereignty, urging the disarmament of groups outside the Lebanese Army and condemning Israeli aggressions against Lebanon. It supported Lebanon's efforts to implement reforms and restore economic stability.
Regarding maritime navigation, the Council emphasized the importance of maintaining security in international waters and condemned various attacks on maritime routes and oil facilities. It called for international cooperation to ensure the safety of navigation in critical waterways.
In Sudan, the Council expressed solidarity with efforts to maintain the country's sovereignty and stability, rejecting any interference in its affairs. It called for humanitarian support and praised the League's efforts in coordinating aid to Sudan.
The Council affirmed support for Somalia's sovereignty and condemned any actions undermining its territorial integrity. It also addressed water security concerns for Egypt and Sudan, urging solutions to disputes over the Ethiopian dam that respects the rights of all involved nations.