Arab Leaders Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Baghdad Declaration demands an end to hostilities, supports Palestinian statehood, and addresses regional security and development issues.
The 'Baghdad Declaration' issued at the 34th Arab League Summit has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, urging an end to all acts of aggression against civilians and a firm rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people.
Arab leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Palestinian population in their right to establish an independent state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The declaration emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian issue in regional affairs and underscored the necessity for urgent humanitarian assistance, alongside backing for an Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan, which includes the establishment of a special fund for the rebuilding of Gaza and support for orphans and the afflicted.
The declaration categorically condemned attempts to alter the character of Jerusalem and denounced all unlawful practices by Israel as an occupying power, which violate the rights of the Palestinian people concerning freedom, dignity, and life, in clear contravention of international law and divine mandates.
Furthermore, the leaders reiterated their support for the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of Arab nations experiencing crises, advocating for political solutions and comprehensive national dialogue, while also appealing for an end to foreign interventions.
The Arab leaders expressed their unwavering backing for the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over its three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, which are currently occupied by Iran.
The declaration called on Iran to respond positively to the UAE's initiative to find a peaceful resolution to this issue, whether through direct bilateral negotiations or by resorting to the International Court of Justice, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, thereby contributing to building trust and reinforcing security and stability in the Gulf region.
On the developmental front, the declaration endorsed strategic initiatives addressing food security, artificial intelligence, women's empowerment, vocational education, and renewable energy, alongside enhancing Arab cooperation to confront regional and global challenges.
In terms of security, it emphasized a rejection of terrorism in all its forms and the necessity to tackle hate speech and extremism, welcoming the establishment of a national counter-terrorism center in Iraq.
The declaration expressed support for ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, commending the Sultanate of Oman for its facilitative role.
Additionally, it called for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.