Arab League calls for an 'immediate' ceasefire in Gaza, end to forced displacement of Palestinians

The Arab League (AL) called for an "immediate" ceasefire in Gaza and an end to forced displacement in the Palestinian territory at the end of a summit in Bahrain on Thursday.

"We demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a halt to all attempts at forced displacement, an end to all forms of siege and allowing full and sustainable access to aid," the 22-member bloc said in a statement.

The Arab League also called for a UN peacekeeping force in the Palestinian territories and an international peace conference at a summit dominated by the war between Israel and Hamas.

In its final statement following a meeting in Manama, the 22-member grouping called for "international protection and peacekeeping forces of the United Nations in the occupied Palestinian territories" until a two-state solution is implemented.

It also adopted calls by host Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to "convene an international conference under the auspices of the United Nations, to resolve the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-state solution."

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai along with His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, attended the opening session of the 33rd Arab League Summit in Manama.

Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the UAE's steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause. He affirmed the nation's unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international laws and resolutions. He also underscored the UAE's leading role in global efforts to deliver relief aid to Gaza.

He also hailed the recent diplomatic milestone of the United Nations General Assembly voting in favour of granting Palestine full UN membership.

Upon his arrival at Al Sakhir Palace, the main venue of the summit, Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

Sheikh Mohammed tweeted on X platform: “Today I headed the UAE delegation to the Arab League meetings at the summit level in Bahrain. The UAE’s position is firm and continues in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people through our humanitarian and relief efforts in Gaza Strip, where the UAE leads all countries of the world in providing relief aid.

"Through our political efforts, which finally culminated in the United Nations in voting for full membership of the State of Palestine."

Sheikh Mohammed added:, “Promoting joint Arab action is a political, economic and security priority for the UAE, and we will continue to build bridges of cooperation with everyone.”

Speaking at the summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the war in Gaza as "an open wound that threatens to infect the entire region," calling for "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages." Guterres said "the only permanent way to end the cycle of violence and instability is through a two-state solution."

Agencies