International Community Urged for United Nations Peacekeeping Presence in Palestinian Regions, Ceasefire Implementation in Gaza Strip
In a groundbreaking move, the Arab League called for the establishment of a United Nations peacekeeping force in the occupied Palestinian territories during a meeting in Manama, Bahrain. This marks the first time Arab states have officially endorsed international involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict since the conflict escalated.
The 22-member bloc demanded the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces to these territories, expressing the necessity for international protection until a two-state solution is achieved. According to Middle East Eye, Bahrain was contemplating contributing troops to Gaza as part of an Arab peacekeeping force due to its close alliance with Saudi Arabia.
The Financial Times reported that the US had invited Morocco, the UAE, and Egypt to join this force, but their willingness seemed uncertain. Saudi Arabia, among other Arab states, reportedly turned down the idea of deploying its own forces. US officials hoped that Bahrain might pave the way for the deployment of a multinational force, potentially including Gulf powerhouses like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The League also appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a halt to forced displacement, and an end to the siege on the region, allowing for unhindered access to aid. In an attempt to bring an end to the decades-long rivalry, the League also subtly urged Hamas and Fatah to join forces under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is dominated by the secular nationalist Palestinian party, Fatah.
The League's statement reaffirmed the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The summit also condemned attacks on commercial ships, which threaten international trade, as these incidents go against the interests of countries and people worldwide.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the ongoing war in Gaza an "open wound that threatens to infect the entire region," emphasizing the need for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Guterres insists that the only sustainable solution to end the cycle of violence is through a two-state solution.
The summit comes as Israel persists with its offensives on the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of over 35,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children. The fighting has caused widespread tension with Egypt, following Israel's assault on Rafah and seizure of the southern Gaza city's border crossing. Despite these developments, no official Arab League-endorsed peacekeeping force has been established as of yet.
- The Arab League, in a united stance, called for the deployment of United Nations peacekeeping forces in the occupied Palestinian territories, as a part of the two-state solution.
- Bahrain, allied with Saudi Arabia, was reportedly considering contributing troops to the Gaza Strip for an Arab peacekeeping force, should the United Nations peacekeeping mission go forward.
- The United States extended invitations to Egypt, the UAE, and Morocco to join the United Nations peacekeeping force, but their response seemed uncertain.
- The Arab League urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the forced displacement of Palestinians, and a lifting of the siege on the region to ensure humanitarian access.
- The League recommended that Hamas and Fatah join forces under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), with Fatah being the dominant party, to potentially end the long-standing conflict.
- The Arab League's statement reaffirmed the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and condemned attacks on commercial ships that disrupt international trade, threatening both nations and people across the globe.
