Cairo: The grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, has called upon Arab leaders to adopt a unified stance against the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. This plea comes as Egypt prepares to host an emergency Arab summit aimed at formulating a collective Arab response to counter US proposals regarding the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sheikh Al-Tayeb expressed his hopes for the success of the Arab leaders convening in Cairo, urging them to stand united against what he described as unacceptable plans to displace Palestinians from their homeland. He emphasized the need for an Arab proposal focused on the reconstruction of Gaza to counteract the support for Israel by certain decision-makers.

The grand imam's statement is seen as a direct response to US President Donald Trump's repeated calls to 'take over' Gaza and transform it into a tourist destination by resettling its population. This plan has faced widespread condemnation from the Arab world and other nations, who argue that it constitutes ethnic cleansing.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with nearly 48,400 Palestinians killed, predominantly women and children, and over 111,000 injured due to ongoing conflict since October 2023. The violence was temporarily halted under a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement effective from January 19. However, Israel has since stopped the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, following the end of the ceasefire's initial phase.

Further complicating matters, last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.