Arab Summit Draft: UN Protection Forces Pending Two-State Solution

Banner displaying flags of participating countries in the Arab Summit in Bahrain (Reuters)
Banner displaying flags of participating countries in the Arab Summit in Bahrain (Reuters)
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Arab Summit Draft: UN Protection Forces Pending Two-State Solution

Banner displaying flags of participating countries in the Arab Summit in Bahrain (Reuters)
Banner displaying flags of participating countries in the Arab Summit in Bahrain (Reuters)

An unofficial draft of the final communique for the Arab Summit in Bahrain, set to take place on Thursday, obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, includes a call by Arab nations to deploy a UN-backed international peacekeeping force in the occupied Palestinian territories until a two-state solution is achieved.

The draft emphasizes the need for a timeline for political negotiations to establish a viable Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It holds Israel responsible for damaging cities and civilian infrastructure in Gaza.

Besides strongly condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza and calling for an immediate halt to the violence, the draft statement demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, lifting the blockade, and opening crossings for humanitarian aid.

The draft also rejects any forced displacement of Palestinians and urges a quick and lasting ceasefire, protection of civilians, and release of hostages.

It suggests Arab nations gather for a UN-sponsored conference to find a political solution for Palestine, leading to a two-state agreement.

It also urges Arab foreign ministers to push for swift recognition of Palestine by engaging with Western and global counterparts.

This aims to support Palestine’s full membership in the UN and intensify efforts for recognition by all Security Council members.

The draft strongly opposes any backing for armed groups or militias working outside state boundaries and pursuing foreign agendas conflicting with Arab interests. It stresses Arab unity in defending sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions against external threats.

It reaffirms a firm stand against terrorism in all forms and supports efforts to cut off its funding sources and combat extremist organizations. The draft urges action against extremism, hate speech, and incitement, condemning such acts for their negative impact on peace and security.

It calls for promoting values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and rejecting hatred and discrimination. Expressing concern over recent military escalation in the region, it urges all parties to avoid war risks and heightened tension.

The draft asks the UN Security Council to uphold international peace, implement resolutions for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and prevent further escalation and spread of war in the Middle East.



GCC Secretary-General Congratulates Trump on Election as US President

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
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GCC Secretary-General Congratulates Trump on Election as US President

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi congratulated Donald Trump on his election as the next president of the United States, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Albudaiwi wished the US president-elect success in the coming term and continued prosperity, security, and stability for the American people.
He highlighted the enduring and historic partnership between the GCC and the United States, which remains a cornerstone of security, peace, and development in the Middle East and beyond.
He affirmed that this partnership is crucial in addressing pressing global challenges and advancing progress across various sectors.