Aboul Gheit to Asharq Al-Awsat: Gaza Overshadows Arab Summit, but Other Crises Discussed

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Aboul Gheit to Asharq Al-Awsat: Gaza Overshadows Arab Summit, but Other Crises Discussed

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit affirmed that while the Israeli attack on Gaza dominates discussions at the Arab Summit in Bahrain, the gathering would still address regional issues like the crises in Sudan, Yemen, and Libya, as well as water security and other shared Arab concerns.

“Undoubtedly, the Palestinian crisis and the Israeli attacks on Gaza overshadowed the summit discussions. From the preparatory meetings onward, there was a focus on resolutions concerning the difficult situation in Gaza,” Aboul Gheit told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“However, the agenda also covers a range of other important issues for the Arab world, including addressing crises in Sudan, Yemen, and Libya, as well as concerns about water and cybersecurity, among other political and developmental matters,” he added.

Aboul Gheit, discussing with Asharq Al-Awsat the Arab Summit in Bahrain, stated that recent efforts had shifted global opinion against the Israeli occupation, calling it a system of apartheid outdated for our times.

“I believe the compass of international public opinion has indeed shifted,” said the Arab League chief.

“Just last November, many European countries, as well as the United States, were giving Israel the green light to continue its massacre in Gaza,” he added.

“But today, everyone is talking about a ceasefire and even describing the occupation’s violations as nothing short of ethnic cleansing,” asserted Aboul Gheit.

He cautioned Israel against rash actions like invading Rafah or implementing displacement plans, warning of serious consequences for regional stability and its relationship with Egypt, rooted in a peace treaty.

“The plan to displace people is rejected by Palestinians, Arabs, and the world. Israel may have considered it at the start of the Gaza attack but was surprised by strong opposition, especially from Palestinians and Egyptians, who naturally align with Arab views,” said Aboul Gheit.

The Arab League chief urged Israel to be mindful of its relationship with the largest Arab country, emphasizing potential security repercussions.

“Israel needs to pay attention to the potential consequences of its reckless policies in risking its relationship with the largest Arab state. If this happens, it could have significant repercussions on Israel's overall security posture,” he said.

 

Regarding regional dynamics, Aboul Gheit addressed the Arab League’s stance on a joint Arab force for Gaza and commented on Arab relations with Türkiye and Iran, highlighting the League’s commitment to resolving crises and meeting Arab aspirations.



Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s openness to international initiatives aimed at bringing peace to Sudan.
At the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, held in Djibouti, Al-Khuraiji discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the United States, facilitated talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, which aimed to protect civilians.
Al-Khuraiji also noted the continuation of talks with the involvement of the African Union and IGAD, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for African-led solutions.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring stability in Sudan and urged all parties to act with wisdom, show restraint, and support positive initiatives.
Al-Khuraiji also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on the sidelines of the consultative meeting.
In separate meetings, he also met with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.
During these meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in Sudan, explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) expressed support for international and regional meetings, hoping they would bring positive results to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people.
They urged the need that discussions focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, protecting civilians, and achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Taqaddum highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks for civilian protection and safe passageways during the conflict.
They called on international and regional partners to quickly bring both sides back to negotiations, build on the Jeddah agreements, and secure a binding ceasefire with effective monitoring.
Taqaddum also stressed the need for a unified negotiation platform to achieve peace.