Arab FMs Demand from New York Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza 

(L-R) United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit attend a stakeout as part of a United Nations Security Council meeting called to address the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in New York, New York, US, 24 October 2023. (EPA)
(L-R) United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit attend a stakeout as part of a United Nations Security Council meeting called to address the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in New York, New York, US, 24 October 2023. (EPA)
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Arab FMs Demand from New York Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza 

(L-R) United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit attend a stakeout as part of a United Nations Security Council meeting called to address the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in New York, New York, US, 24 October 2023. (EPA)
(L-R) United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit attend a stakeout as part of a United Nations Security Council meeting called to address the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in New York, New York, US, 24 October 2023. (EPA)

Arab foreign ministers meeting in New York demanded on Tuesday an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of the siege on the Palestinian enclave.

A ministerial-level Arab Group meeting was held at the headquarters of Saudi Arabia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Palestinian FM Riyad Al-Maliki, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and FM Dr. Ayman Safadi, Egypt’s FM Sameh Shoukry, Algeria’s FM Ahmed Attaf, Libya’s acting FM Taher Salem Al-Baour, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Noura Al-Kaabi and Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit attended the meeting.

Prince Faisal said: “We are here with one message: violence is not a solution. The lives of all civilians deserve to be protected and this includes the Palestinians in Gaza.”

He demanded that Israel lift the siege off Gaza and that parties return to the peace process. “A real serious approach is need to end the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he urged.

“Just peace will never be achieved if the international community does not meet its commitments and resolve the Palestinian situation,” he went on to say.

“Without peace, there can be no real security in our region,” Prince Faisal added, condemning the killing of any civilians.

He hoped that the international community would come together to work for peace.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the meeting was part of joint Arab coordination over the developments in Gaza.

The meeting tackled the situation in Gaza and the surrounding regions. The gatherers reviewed Arab efforts in this regard and coordination against the Israeli military escalation.



Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
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Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday called for adopting a policy of neutrality as an effective solution to Lebanon’s current political, social and sectarian crises.

“Neutrality is the foundation of Lebanon's National Pact and not a substitute for it,” the Patriarch said in his Sunday sermon.

Al-Rahi praised President Joseph Aoun's oath and spoke about the trust people have in Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam.

“The Lebanese people feel reassured when they listen to the principles that President Aoun intends to follow, in addition to the promises made by world leaders to support Lebanon and help it achieve economic, social and financial growth,” al-Rahi said.

He added that citizens have also placed their trust in the PM-designate, expressing hope for the swift formation of a government in collaboration with the President.

The Patriarch commended Aoun for his pledge to adopt positive neutrality in his inaugural speech, noting that this promise has provided much-needed comfort to many citizens.

He also highlighted the President’s efforts to align neutrality with economic reforms, such as promoting high-quality exports, attracting tourism, and driving economic recovery.

According to al-Rahi, these initiatives underscore that neutrality not only strengthens national unity but also creates the foundation for stability, growth, and prosperity.

Also, the Patriarch reiterated that Lebanon’s identity is not defined by dominance but by its unique role as a beacon of freedom and coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

For Lebanon to fulfill its mission as a bridge between cultures and religions, he affirmed, it must adopt an active and positive stance of neutrality.

“Positive neutrality is a political doctrine that avoids alignment with conflicting regional or international blocs while remaining committed to just causes globally, such as the right of peoples to independence,” al-Rahi said.

He further emphasized that neutrality is a cornerstone of Lebanon’s National Pact and offers the most effective solution to the country’s ongoing political, social, and sectarian crises.

Aoun's election and the designation of a new premier have increased optimism for Lebanon’s future.

Salam will likely present this week his government lineup to Aoun, who must sign the formation decree. Parliament will then convene to issue a vote of confidence for the new government.