Arab Summit Condemns Israeli Aggression In Gaza, Calls For Ceasefire

The Arab leaders issued a statement at the Bahrain Summit, the thirty-third ordinary session of the Council of the League of Arab States. Held at the Sakhir Palace in Bahrain, the summit was presided over by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The leaders addressed the ongoing aggression on Gaza.

The statement strongly condemns the continued Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip. It highlights crimes committed against Palestinian civilians and violations of international law, including targeting civilians and civilian installations. The use of blockade as a weapon, starvation, and attempts at forced displacement have resulted in the death and injury of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians.

The leaders also condemned Israeli actions in Rafah, a city that has become a refuge for over one million displaced persons. The statement describes the catastrophic humanitarian consequences and criticises the control over the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, aimed at tightening the blockade on civilians.

Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid

The statement calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, an end to forced displacement, and all forms of blockade. It demands permission for full and sustained entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and Israel's immediate withdrawal from Rafah.

Targeting Humanitarian Organisations

The leaders condemned the targeting of humanitarian and United Nations organisations in Gaza by Israeli forces. They highlighted obstructions to their work, attacks on aid convoys, including those from Jordan, and Israel's failure to protect these convoys as required by law.

International Investigation and Accountability

The statement calls for an immediate international investigation into these attacks. It reaffirms full support for the Palestinian people and urges the international community to overcome political calculations and double standards. The leaders demand that Israel's actions be characterised as flagrant violations of international law.

Operationalisation of International Mechanisms

The Arab leaders call for relevant international mechanisms to conduct independent investigations to hold those responsible for crimes against Palestinians accountable. They emphasise that these actions are necessary since the start of Israel's aggression against Gaza.

SPA 03:10 Local Time 00:10 GMT 0013

With inputs from SPA