Baghdad: The 34th Arab League Summit commenced in Baghdad, with the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza taking center stage in discussions alongside other pressing regional issues. This marks Iraq's fourth summit and the first since 2012.
According to Anadolu Agency, the summit opened with a speech from Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani, as Bahrain held the presidency of the previous summit. Al-Zayani reiterated Bahrain's commitment to the reconstruction of Gaza and the maintenance of ceasefire agreements. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid strongly condemned the Israeli actions in Gaza, urging a unified Arab response to prevent the displacement of Palestinians.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the summit to adopt a comprehensive Arab plan to end the conflict in Gaza, highlighting the devastating toll of the war with over 53,000 casualties reported since October 2023. Abbas called for an international conference in Cairo to aid in the reconstruction efforts for Gaza and expressed readiness for future elections across Palestinian territories.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to exert pressure for a ceasefire, stressing that lasting regional stability depends on a comprehensive peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged the international community to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, proposing a new UN initiative to lift the blockade and advance peace efforts.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani proposed the creation of an Arab fund to support reconstruction efforts in crisis-hit regions, pledging $40 million for the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon. He also reaffirmed Iraq's support for Syria's unity and sovereignty, welcoming the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria, which Trump announced during a recent meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia.
Prominent leaders attending the summit include the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and representatives from Jordan and Lebanon. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and delegates from various international and regional organizations are also present.
The summit's agenda, approved by Arab foreign ministers, focuses on key regional conflicts, including those in Yemen, Sudan, Syria, and Libya, along with discussions on the ongoing Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations. The Palestinian cause remains a top priority for the summit discussions.