Foreign ministers from the Arab League met Oct. 11 in Cairo to call for urgent action to stop the violence between Israel and Gaza. They called for an immediate ceasefire and condemned any violence against civilians. They also called for urgent humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia is apparently playing a large role, which is angering some in the West because of their refusal to side with Israel.
According to Anadolu Agency, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said in his opening speech: “We show our solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza because they face a massacre that must be stopped and condemned immediately.” Gheit also blamed the long-term “clogged political horizon” and the continuous construction of Israeli settlements.
The ministers also called for Israel to meet its obligations for a two-state solution. “The way to guarantee security and stability in the region is to achieve just, permanent, and comprehensive peace that meets all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” the Arab foreign ministers underlined.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita urged international parties “to sponsor real consultations to revive the peace process” and called on the world to develop “a roadmap with practical goals, including a timetable” for negotiations, according to an article in China’s People’s Daily.
