Arab League diplomat Hossam Zaki praises Kuwait's steadfast backing of the Arab League.
Unyielding Tension in Gaza: Israel's Stubbornness Jeopardizes Ceasefire Efforts
Ambassador Hossam Zaki, the Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, commended Kuwait for its unwavering financial support of the league, underscoring its steadfast stance on Arab matters and commitment to joint Arab initiatives. These remarks were made during a press conference following a lecture delivered by Arab League Secretary-General Dr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit at the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute.
Zaki disclosed that during their visit to Kuwait, theymet with His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, discussing various Arab matters, primarily the Palestinian cause, and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Yahya, addressing similar topics. He indicated that the meeting was a resounding success and is part of ongoing discussions in preparation for the forthcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad on May 17.
Zaki reiterated that the Arab plan for Gaza remains active, with hopes for the implementation of a ceasefire. However, he voiced concerns over Israel's indifference to the truce, as its military actions persist, resulting in daily atrocities.
Regarding former US President Donald Trump's regional visits and the alleged pressure on certain nations to halt the conflict, Zaki suggested confusion over the prolongation of this peculiar conflict. Following the collapse of the initial agreement, achieving a ceasefire has become increasingly complex.
On the Syrian front, Zaki revealed that a new draft resolution has been passed at a recent Arab ministerial meeting, the first since the regime change. This resolution endorses Syria and its people in reestablishing security, stability, and a normal economic life while calling for the lifting of sanctions.
He emphasized that the Arab stance, notably Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has been progressive, and he hopes it will exert influence on the parties enforcing sanctions to ease them, paving the way for their ultimate removal.
Regarding Syria's attendance at the Baghdad summit, Zaki clarified that an invitation has been extended to the Syrian leadership, with participation at the leadership level solely dependent on the country's internal political decisions.
Finally, Zaki mentioned that the Baghdad summit will address various political matters and will also host the fifth development summit, an innovative concept initiated by Kuwait. The inaugural summit of this kind was held in Kuwait and achieved significant success.
Regarding reforms to the Arab League system, Zaki confirmed ongoing discussions about amending the charter, which was last modified in 2005. However, a lack of consensus among member states has hindered these changes. Yet, the concept remains valid, and should consensus be reached, it will be adopted.
** Behind-the-Scenes Insights:**The current ceasefire in Gaza remains unresolved as of late April 2025, with renewed hostilities following the breakdown of the March 17-18 ceasefire agreement[3]. Key aspects include:
Military and Humanitarian Scope:Israel's military operations continue, and its security cabinet is deliberating further expansions[4]. Gaza faces a grave humanitarian crisis, with OCHA describing it as the worst since the conflict's commencement, as aid operations are on the verge of collapse, and food stocks have been depleted[1].
Negotiation Efforts:Mediators (Egypt, Qatar, and the US) are orchestrating talks, although Hamas' five-year ceasefire proposal – encompassing hostage releases, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction aid – was dismissed by Israel due to Hamas' refusal to disarm[1][4]. Egyptian sources hinted at a potential "significant breakthrough," but Israel denies any progress[5].
Outstanding Disputes:Hamas seeks a permanent ceasefire and reconstruction assurances, while Israel demands Hamas' disarmament and retains control over post-war security arrangements[4][5]. The World Food Programme reports complete depletion of Gaza's food stocks[1].
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has denounced Gaza as a "killing field" and appealed for Israel to restore humanitarian access[1].
Abdullah, in his role as Kuwait's Foreign Minister, addressed the Palestinian cause during a meeting with Ambassador Hossam Zaki, expressing concerns over the persistent military actions in Gaza that jeopardize the ceasefire efforts. Zakiaffirmed the Arab League's commitment to the implementation of a ceasefire, but remains frustrated and strange that Israel's commitments to the truce seem to be ignored. This tension, a part of ongoing conflicts in Middle Eastern politics, remains unresolved in the general news, with daily atrocities continuing in Gaza. Regardless, the Arab League continues its diplomatic negotiations and discussions, hoping for a peaceful resolution.
