Arab League Chief Asserts Lasting Peace Needs End To Israeli Occupation Of Palestinian Lands

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has stated that achieving lasting peace and coexistence in the region is impossible without ending Israeli occupation and settlement activities in Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, within the 1967 borders. He emphasised that Israel's belief in normalisation and coexistence without resolving these issues is unrealistic.

Aboul Gheit made these remarks during a dialogue session at the UN headquarters in New York City. The session presented outcomes from the High-Level International Conference on "The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution." The event aimed to discuss pathways to peace between Israel and Palestine.

The Arab League General Secretariat in Cairo released a statement detailing Aboul Gheit's presentation. Alongside European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, he shared final outcomes from the working group on "Peace Day Efforts." This initiative was co-chaired by the Arab League and the European Union.

Aboul Gheit highlighted significant commitments from various countries, international organisations, regional bodies, and civil-society groups. These contributions are part of "Peace Day Efforts" and align with the EU-sponsored "Peace Supporting Package." This package could benefit Palestinians, Israelis, and the broader region if a two-state solution is realised.

The secretary-general reiterated that this vision aligns with the Arab Peace Initiative proposed 23 years ago. Despite its potential for peace, there has been no response from Israel regarding this initiative. This lack of engagement remains a significant barrier to progress.

Aboul Gheit's statements underscore the importance of international cooperation in achieving a peaceful resolution. The involvement of diverse stakeholders highlights a collective commitment to establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.

With inputs from SPA