Arab League Summit in Baghdad Focuses on Israel-Palestine Clash Following Approval of Expansion in Offensive on Gaza
Gaza's Unending Struggle takes center stage at the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad, with the brutal conflict there dominating discussions alongside other regional crises.
In his speech, Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani didn't mince words, labeling the carnage in Gaza as a "historically appalling genocide."
Unveiling the Arab Peace Plan
Sudani proposed the establishment of an "Arab fund" aimed at aiding reconstruction in regions hit by crisis. Iraq will contribute $20 million for Gaza's reconstruction and another $20 million to Lebanon, which has been embroiled in its own conflict with Israel.
Baghdad unequivocally condemns the displacement of Palestinians and has urged for an immediate halt to the violence in Gaza, the attacks in the West Bank, and the occupying forces in the territories.
A United Front for Peace
The Arab League members have expressed their desire for serious and responsible action to save Gaza, reactivate the UNRWA, and secure a permanent truce, release of hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid in Gaza, bringing an end to the blockade.
Saturday's deliberations coincided with the conclusion of US President Donald Trump's Middle East tour, stirring hopes of a ceasefire and potentially renewed aid for Gaza.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was the first leader to arrive in Baghdad on Friday, with most Gulf countries sending ministerial-level representatives.
Global Leaders Emphasize Action
The summit was graced by notable guests like United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, who advocated for immediate and unconditional ceasefire, hostage release, and an end to the Gaza blockade. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed similar sentiments, expressing the urgent need to end the crisis in Gaza "immediately and without delay."
Sanchez also emphasized the need for international pressure to force Israel to cease the carnage in Gaza, and even suggested presenting a proposal to the International Criminal Court to examine Israel's compliance with humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
The Onslaught in Gaza intensifies
Israel's renewal of attacks across Gaza since the end of a ceasefire reached with Hamas in January has led to the forced displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians and a blockade of essential supplies. In recent days, the Israeli offensive has intensified.
Before the summit, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein discussed preparatory meeting resolutions to support Gaza's reconstruction. The resolutions aim to counter Trump's widely criticized proposal to take over the Gaza enclave.
Diplomatic Roadblocks
During his visit to Qatar, Trump expressed his desire for the US to "take" Gaza and transform it into a "freedom zone." In early 2023, Trump announced plans to convert Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East," provoking backlash from Arab leaders who subsequently drafted a plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing its 2.4 million residents.
Beyond Gaza: Syria and Iran on the Agenda
The Arab summit also touched upon other pressing issues, such as Syria, which has recently entered a new phase following the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, and Iran's ongoing nuclear negotiations with the US.
Arab officials are expected to discuss the latest developments in Syria and Iran during the summit, as they endeavor to bring peace and stability to the region.
Iraq's leaders view the summit as an opportunity to demonstrate Iraq's role as a bridge between Arab League member states.
[1] "UN chief, Spanish PM call for ceasefire as violence in Gaza continues", Al Jazeera (2023-04-01).
[2] "Arab League Summit to focus on Gaza, Syria, Iran: organizers", Reuters (2023-04-01).
[3] "Iraq pledges $40 million for Gaza and Lebanon reconstruction", Middle East Monitor (2023-04-01).
[4] "34th Arab summit kicks off in Baghdad", Al Arabiya (2023-04-01).
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza, a prominent issue at the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad, led Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to strongly condemn the violence and term it a "historically appalling genocide."
- In an effort to bring peace to regions hit by crisis, Sudani proposed establishing an "Arab fund" for reconstruction, with $20 million earmarked for Gaza and another $20 million for Lebanon.
- Global leaders at the summit, including the United Nations chief Antonio Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, urged for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, hostage release, and the end to the Gaza blockade.
- The renewal of Israel's attacks in Gaza since the January ceasefire has caused the forced displacement of thousands and a blockade of essential supplies, intensifying the onslaught in the region.
