34th Arab League Summit Takes Center Stage in Baghdad: A Call for Unity

On a significant Saturday in Baghdad, the 34th Arab League Summit opened its doors to discussions that reverberate far beyond the confines of the conference hall. It marks not only Iraq’s fourth summit but also its first since 2012, making this an occasion of great importance. The shadows of Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza loomed large over this gathering, overshadowing numerous regional concerns. As the world watches with bated breath, the question arises: can collective action transform despair into hope?

The summit commenced with a compelling address from Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani. Leading the charge as the president of the 33rd Arab League Summit, Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to supporting the reconstruction of the beleaguered Gaza Strip. “We will not turn our backs,” he emphasized, underlining the urgency of upholding ceasefire agreements. These words resonate deeply in a region fraught with strife—can they spur action that transcends rhetoric?

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid delivered a poignant condemnation of the “ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza.” He articulated a firm stance that echoed throughout the hall: “We reject all attempts to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip under any pretext or circumstances.” His words carry weight, but do they offer a blueprint for actionable policy? Rashid called for a unified approach to security in the Arab world, declaring, “Our shared Arab security cannot be fragmented.” This raises an essential inquiry: how can nations once divided find common ground in their pursuit of peace?

The urgency of the situation was further amplified by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who implored the summit to adopt a comprehensive Arab plan aimed at ending the hostilities in Gaza. Since October 2023, the human toll has been staggering, with over 53,000 lives lost. Abbas’s appeal for an international conference in Cairo to fund the reconstruction of Gaza highlights a grim reality: the enclave stands in ruins, with hope itself rendered nearly uninhabitable. As we reflect on these numbers, one can’t help but ponder: what does it mean to rebuild hope?

In addressing the complexities of stability in the region, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called upon U.S. President Donald Trump to exert pressure for a ceasefire. He noted that while normalization agreements may appear as steps toward peace, true stability will remain elusive without a comprehensive solution fostering the establishment of a Palestinian state. This brings to light a challenging dynamic: is it possible for leaders to balance national interests with a genuine commitment to humanitarian needs?

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez echoed this sentiment, poignantly stating, “Palestine is bleeding before our eyes.” His passionate call for the international community to not turn a blind eye to the suffering in Gaza emphasizes an ethical responsibility that transcends borders. Sanchez is working with Palestinian authorities on a new initiative at the UN, advocating efforts focused on alleviating the humanitarian crisis, pressuring the occupying forces, and advancing a political dialogue. This raises an important consideration: how can the global community shift from passive observation to active involvement?

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani proposed the creation of an Arab fund dedicated to recovery efforts in regions battered by conflict. “Iraq is contributing $20 million for the reconstruction of Gaza, alongside another $20 million for Lebanon,” he stated, reinforcing a spirit of solidarity. In light of these commitments, one must wonder: can financial aid alone pave the roadmap to lasting peace?

Turning attention to Syria, Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s unwavering support for the country’s unity and sovereignty. He articulated a vision of a Syrian state that embraces democratic ideals and citizenship rights. The recent U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria was met with cautious optimism, suggesting a thawing of tensions. But with Trump meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, the geopolitical chessboard raises more questions than answers: will this spark real change, or is it merely a fleeting moment of diplomacy?

Among notable attendees were the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, demonstrating a collective Arab commitment to dialogue. Even Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam lent their presence to this vital summit. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with representatives from various international organizations, also weighed in, emphasizing the summit’s agenda, which primarily focuses on the Palestinian cause, but also includes pressing issues like the conflicts in Yemen, Sudan, and Libya.

As the summit progresses, an atmosphere of urgency prevails. The implications of these discussions extend beyond the immediate region. The battle for peace is ongoing, and the task at hand is daunting. But if history has taught us anything, it is that change is possible when voices unite in a cause greater than their individual narratives. Can this summit be a turning point? Only time will tell.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.