Arab League Secretary General Stresses Importance of Complete Ceasefire in Gaza

Riyadh, The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, emphasized that Israel’s assault on Gaza is not an isolated incident and expressed hope that it will be the last. He pointed out that since the beginning of Israel’s occupation of the Gaza Strip, it has sought to eradicate or force the residents to leave. This was evident in statements made by an Israeli minister suggesting the use of a nuclear bomb on the Strip, reflecting the deep-rooted Israeli animosity towards its steadfast inhabitants.

Speaking at the Joint Arab and Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh, Aboul Gheit stated that during the Israeli occupation forces’ aggression on Gaza, over 11,000 civilians have been killed, with 70% of them being women and children. This horrifying reality showcases a campaign of ethnic cleansing, genocide, and systematic violence that is being carried out in full view of the world. Despite international community and Security Council appeals to protect Palestinian civilians from the horrors of this Israeli war, all calls to restrict Israeli actions in response to the October 7 operations have been unsuccessful, as they unjustly justify their brutal actions as self-defense.

Aboul Gheit emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and halting the escalation of the conflict. He stressed that the international community must recognize that the continued oppression of the people of Gaza by the Israeli military machine increases the risk of regional confrontation.

Furthermore, he reiterated the importance of halting and rejecting all forms of forced displacement of Gaza, West Bank, and East Jerusalem residents, as such actions constitute international crimes and blatant violations of international humanitarian law. He also emphasized the need to cease discussions about the separation of Gaza from the West Bank and East Jerusalem and stressed that these areas are integral to establishing a Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders.

Aboul Gheit acknowledged that the road to restoring normalcy in resilient Gaza will be long and challenging. He reassured member states’ commitment to providing support and assistance to the people of Gaza in their struggle against the effects of the aggression, as they rightfully deserve.

Source: Saudi Press Agency