Arab Summit Hails OPEC+ Efforts in Securing Stability of Global Markets

02 November 2022, Algeria, Algiers: Heads of states and governments pose for a group picture during the Arab Summit. (Algerian Presidency Office/dpa)
02 November 2022, Algeria, Algiers: Heads of states and governments pose for a group picture during the Arab Summit. (Algerian Presidency Office/dpa)
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Arab Summit Hails OPEC+ Efforts in Securing Stability of Global Markets

02 November 2022, Algeria, Algiers: Heads of states and governments pose for a group picture during the Arab Summit. (Algerian Presidency Office/dpa)
02 November 2022, Algeria, Algiers: Heads of states and governments pose for a group picture during the Arab Summit. (Algerian Presidency Office/dpa)

Arab leaders on Wednesday concluded the 31st Arab League summit. The first Arab League gathering in three years took place against the backdrop of rising inflation, food and energy shortages, drought and the soaring cost of living across the region.

The gatherers stressed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the absolute right of the Palestinian people to freedom and the establishment of a sovereign state according to the 1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital.

They underscored their commitment to the 2002 Arab peace initiative that would lead to fair and comprehensive peace and end the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan Heights and Lebanese Shebaa Farms and Kfar Shouba Hills.

They called an end to the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip, condemning Israel’s use of force against Palestinians and all of its barbaric acts, such as assassinations and arbitrary arrests. They demanded the release of all prisoners, especially minors, women and the elderly.

The gatherers backed Palestinian efforts to obtain full membership at the United Nations, calling on countries that do not recognize the state of Palestine to do so.

They welcomed the reconciliation meeting that was held by rival Palestinian factions in Algeria ahead of the Arab summit.

The summit’s discussions also focused on the food and energy crises aggravated by Russia's war in Ukraine. The conflict has had devastating consequences for Egypt, Lebanon and Tunisia, among other Arab countries struggling to import enough wheat and fuel to satisfy their populations.

The leaders acknowledged the dire consequences of the war for their nations and one after another called for a “collective Arab action” to face common challenges. Those include food and energy shortages and the effects of climate change on their societies.

Arab scene

The gatherers rejected all forms of foreign meddling in the internal affairs of Arab countries, saying Arab problems must be resolved through Arab solutions. They suggested strengthening the role of the Arab League to that end and working on strengthening Arab-Arab ties.

On Libya, they expressed support to efforts aimed at resolving its crisis through Libyan means and in a manner that preserves the sovereignty of the country and meets the aspirations of the people. They called for holding elections as soon as possible in order to achieve permanent political stability

On Yemen, the gatherers hailed the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council and backed efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the country’s crisis. They rejected all forms of meddling in its internal affairs and demanded that the nationwide truce be imposed once again, saying it was a fundamental step in achieving a comprehensive political settlement that secures Yemen’s sovereignty, stability and safety.

On Iraq, the leaders welcomed the formation of a new government and its efforts in achieving stability and economic development. They praised Iraq’s successes in defeating terrorist groups, recognizing the sacrifices its people in defending the sovereignty and security of their nation.

On Lebanon, the gatherers hoped it would carry out desired reform and that its parliament would succeed in electing a new president.

They stressed the need to keep the Middle East region free of nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction. They called on all parties to join and respect the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The leaders underscored the need to establish sound and balanced relations between the Arab world and international community based on mutual respect, trust and fruitful cooperation.

International scene

The gatherers noted that the rising tensions in the international arena highlight now, more than ever, the imbalances in global governance. They stressed the need to address all countries equality and end the marginalization of developing countries.

Arab countries must be part of the process of forming the new global order in wake of the coronavirus pandemic and war in Ukraine.

The leaders hailed the balanced approach adopted by OPEC+ to secure the stability of the global energy markets and ensure the sustainability of investments in this vital sector. The economic approach protects the interests of consumer and export countries alike.

They expressed their support for Egypt’s hosting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).

They voiced support to Qatar that is preparing to host the football World Cup starting November 20, condemning all spiteful campaigns that are aimed at tarnishing the Gulf country’s image ahead of the landmark global event.

They also backed Riyadh’s bid to host Expo 2030.



Hamas Expects 'Real Progress' in Cairo Talks to End Gaza War

 Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee areas in the eastern part of Gaza City, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders, in Gaza City, April 11, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee areas in the eastern part of Gaza City, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders, in Gaza City, April 11, 2025. (Reuters)
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Hamas Expects 'Real Progress' in Cairo Talks to End Gaza War

 Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee areas in the eastern part of Gaza City, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders, in Gaza City, April 11, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee areas in the eastern part of Gaza City, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders, in Gaza City, April 11, 2025. (Reuters)

Hamas expects "real progress" towards a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza, an official said, as senior leaders from the Palestinian movement hold talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Saturday.

The meeting between Hamas and Egyptian mediators come amid ongoing violence in Gaza, as the Israeli military intercepted three projectiles fired from the territory and launched air strikes and artillery shelling on several areas. No injuries were reported, the military said in a statement.

The scheduled talks in Cairo also come days after US President Donald Trump suggested an agreement to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza was close to being finalized.

A Hamas official told AFP that the Palestinian group anticipated the meeting with Egyptian mediators would yield significant progress.

"We hope the meeting will achieve real progress towards reaching an agreement to end the war, halt the aggression and ensure the full withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza," the official familiar with the ceasefire negotiations told AFP on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

The delegation will be led by the group's chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, he said.

According to the official, Hamas has not yet received any new ceasefire proposals, despite Israeli media reports suggesting that Israel and Egypt had exchanged draft documents outlining a potential ceasefire and hostage release agreement.

"However, contacts and discussions with mediators are ongoing," he added, accusing Israel of "continuing its aggression" in Gaza.

The Times of Israel reported that Egypt's proposal would involve the release of eight living hostages and eight bodies, in exchange for a truce lasting between 40 and 70 days and a substantial release of Palestinian prisoners.

President Trump said during a cabinet meeting this week that "we're getting close to getting them (hostages in Gaza) back".

Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was also quoted in an Israeli media report as saying "a very serious deal is taking shape, it's a matter of days".

Israel resumed its Gaza strikes on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.

Since then, more than 1,500 people have been killed, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory to which Israel cut off aid more than a month ago.

Dozens of these strikes have killed "only women and children," according to a report by UN human rights office.

The report also warned that expanding Israeli evacuation orders were resulting in the "forcible transfer" of people into ever-shrinking areas, raising "real concern as to the future viability of Palestinians as a group in Gaza".

On Saturday, Israel continued with its offensive.

Gaza's civil defense agency reported an Israeli air strike on a house in Gaza City on Saturday morning.

AFP footage of the aftermath of the strike showed the bodies of four men, wrapped in white shrouds, at a local hospital, while several individuals gathered to offer prayers before the funeral.

The Israeli military, meanwhile, said its air force intercepted three projectiles that were identified as crossing into Israeli territory from southern Gaza on Saturday.

The ceasefire that ended on March 17 had led to the release of 33 hostages from Gaza -- eight of them deceased -- and the release of around 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

The war in Gaza broke out after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. It resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Militants also took 251 hostages, 58 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

Gaza's health ministry said on Friday that at least 1,563 Palestinians had been killed since March 18 when the ceasefire collapsed, taking the overall death toll since the war began to 50,933.