Egypt Daily News – At the press conference following the Arab and Islamic summit, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit addressed the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
They called on the international community to take decisive action to stop the conflict and emphasized the necessity of implementing the two-state solution as a viable path toward peace.
Bin Farhan highlighted the summit’s final statement, which included several practical decisions aimed at countering Israeli actions and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. He stressed the importance of rejecting Israeli measures against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and enhancing regional cooperation to ease tensions.
Responding to inquiries, Bin Farhan noted the Arab and Islamic ministerial committee’s critical role in advocating for Palestinian statehood and self-determination while acknowledging the challenges ahead in preventing the war from escalating further. He criticized the international community, including the Security Council, for failing to address the situation effectively.
Both officials asserted that military solutions would not work in the region, advocating instead for political and diplomatic efforts centered around the two-state solution. They called for global support for this initiative, urging Israel to recognize a Palestinian state as part of a legitimate resolution pathway.
Aboul Gheit emphasized the importance of activating international resolutions to halt violence against civilians, particularly children and women. He lamented the international community’s inaction and underscored the necessity of diplomatic efforts to uphold international law, particularly regarding Lebanon and the implementation of Resolution 1701.
On support for the Palestinian Authority, Bin Farhan said it was essential for the Authority itself to outline support frameworks. He insisted on the need for international pressure on Israel to cease its unjust practices, including financial withholding from the Palestinian Authority.
Both leaders announced a new trilateral agreement among the Arab League, the African Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to unify efforts for Palestinian support, representing over 100 countries in international dialogues.
Regarding Lebanon’s internal political issues, Bin Farhan clarified that while the committee would not intervene in presidential elections, it would support Lebanese resilience and oppose Israeli aggression. He reiterated the demand for a UN resolution to impose a ceasefire and protect Palestinians during this ongoing crisis.
Aboul Gheit affirmed that efforts to implement the two-state solution are ongoing and that it will eventually come to fruition; it is only a matter of time.
It is unimaginable for the situation to continue as it is, with 8 million Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza being governed by 8 million Israelis. How can the world envision such a scenario, especially with the growth of the Palestinian population?
Aboul Gheit said that the final statement of the summit included important decisions, including the decision to move before the General Assembly to suspend Israel’s membership, which was established based on General Assembly Resolution 181.
Today, the Islamic and Arab group, along with many countries, will support the idea of suspending Israel’s membership, which is within the authority of the United Nations General Assembly.
This is an important step that I believe will achieve its goal of stopping the war and moving towards a peaceful settlement based on international legitimacy decisions. Otherwise, the alternative will be the suspension of Israel’s membership in the United Nations.
