ALBAWABA- The 33rd Arab Summit commenced today in Manama, Bahrain, amidst the persisting conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has endured for over seven months. Bahrain and the Arab League have jointly advocated for an international peace conference in the Middle East.
During the inaugural session of the Arab Summit, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain called for the convening of an international peace conference in the Middle East. He also emphasized the imperative of extending full recognition to the State of Palestine and endorsing its membership in the United Nations.
Echoing this sentiment, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, reiterated the pressing need for an international peace conference in the Middle East.
He urgently appealed for the cessation of hostilities in Sudan and condemned the Israeli aggression on Gaza as "barbaric," asserting that the Arab populace will not forget such "blind violence."
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscored the importance of international support for initiatives aimed at halting the conflict in Gaza. He called for an end to any activities that jeopardize maritime navigation safety in the region.
Additionally, he reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means to foster security, peace, and prosperity in the region.
Jordan's King Abdullah II remarked that the ongoing conflict in Gaza has challenged all international treaties and agreements. He stressed the necessity of ending the war, emphasizing the moral and humanitarian responsibility of the international community to resolve a conflict that has endured for over seven decades.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi criticized Israel's attempts to exploit the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to tighten the siege on Gaza. He lamented the failure of the international community and its institutions, accusing Israel of shirking its responsibilities and obstructing efforts to secure a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged Arab nations and allies to reassess their relations with Israel, linking their continuation to the cessation of Tel Aviv's aggression against the Palestinian people and territory. He urged a return to the path of peace and international legitimacy.
Overall, the Arab Summit's discussions reflect a collective call for international intervention to address the protracted conflict in Gaza and pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East.
