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Arab Summit in Bahrain: Gaza Ceasefire Prioritized

The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)
The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)
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Arab Summit in Bahrain: Gaza Ceasefire Prioritized

The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)
The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the Arab Summit, chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani (image from the Arab League)

The Israeli war on Gaza will dominate the Arab Summit set to take place in Bahrain on Thursday, as Arab support for an international conference on the two-state solution gains traction.

Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit urged joint Arab action to stop the war and pave the way for a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.

The dire situation in Gaza has cast a shadow over the Arab Foreign Ministers’ preparatory meeting for the Arab Summit in Bahrain on Tuesday.

Aboul Gheit told ministers that words fail to express the anger and sadness felt towards what is happening in Gaza, adding that the Israeli leaders’ thirst for revenge has led to appalling crimes, recognized as ethnic cleansing.

Aboul Gheit called the aggression a “shameful stain,” not just on Israel but on the world for allowing such atrocities.

Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ambassador Hossam Zaki, said the ministers agreed on all agenda items, mainly focusing on politics, with the Palestinian issue at the forefront due to the Israeli aggression.

Zaki said Arab states aren’t keen on discussing post-war plans for Gaza, focusing instead on a ceasefire for ending the conflict.

Aboul Gheit urged support for recognizing Palestine, pushing for an international conference involving all parties committed to the two-state solution.

He stressed that both Palestinians and Israelis can’t solve the issue alone and need ongoing international intervention.

He also highlighted the need for international intervention to protect Palestinians from genocide, stating that bilateral negotiations are no longer viable as Israel refuses to end the occupation and establish a Palestinian state.

Sources disclosed that Arab foreign ministers discussed aligning positions to present a unified Arab stance on the Gaza conflict and Palestinian statehood at the Arab summit. They also coordinated on summit documents and resolutions.

Arab foreign ministers met informally with Aboul Gheit before their preparatory session to discuss the agenda for the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized Saudi Arabia’s support for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, continuous aid access, and a clear path towards a two-state solution for Palestine.

Aboul Gheit affirmed that the Arab gathering is in support of recognizing Palestine as part of a concrete plan leading to an international conference involving all parties committed to the two-state solution.

Following the Arab foreign ministers’ meeting on Tuesday, Zaki highlighted Arab consensus on Palestine spans various fronts, with substantial political support crucial for the cause’s integrity.

He dismissed notions of significant discord, asserting that while differing views on peace and Palestine exist, Arab political backing remains steadfast, evident in decisions at the Arab Summit in Bahrain.

On Gaza’s post-war phase, Zaki stated that Arab states won’t discuss it officially until hostilities cease to prevent harm to the cause. He emphasized the summit’s focus on halting Israeli aggression.

Zaki also mentioned extensive discussions among Arab foreign ministers regarding the Rafah incursion, indicating it will influence a robust Arab stance.

Arab nations back the proposal for an international conference to safeguard Palestinians and push for progress towards a two-state solution.

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi met on Monday to discuss Gaza’s situation and regional efforts to stop the conflict.

Both emphasized the need to halt military actions in Rafah and warned against Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, which blocks humanitarian aid.

They stressed implementing the two-state solution to end the occupation and meet Palestinian rights.

The agenda of the Arab Summit in Bahrain will cover Arab cooperation in politics, economics, social issues, culture, media, security, and collaboration with international and regional groups.

Besides Gaza, the summit will address crises like the war in Sudan, which also faces famine.

The summit will also tackle crises in Libya, Yemen, and Syria. On his part, Aboul Gheit stressed the need for ongoing Arab efforts to prevent these crises from being forgotten.

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Gulf

Arab, Muslim States Alarmed by Israeli Plan to Move Gazans to Egypt

Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)
Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)
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Arab, Muslim States Alarmed by Israeli Plan to Move Gazans to Egypt

Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)
Rafah border crossing (Reuters file photo)

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Qatar said on Friday they were deeply concerned over Israeli statements about opening the Rafah crossing in one direction to push Gaza residents into Egypt.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the eight countries underlined their total rejection of any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from their land.

They said full adherence was needed to US President Donald Trump’s plan, which called for opening the Rafah crossing in both directions, safeguarding freedom of movement and preventing any resident of the enclave from being forced to leave.

The ministers said conditions must be created for Palestinians to remain on their land and to take part in rebuilding their homeland within an integrated vision to restore stability and improve humanitarian conditions.

The ministers reiterated their appreciation for Trump’s commitment to establishing peace in the region, saying it was important to move forward with the plan and carry out all its requirements without delay or obstruction in order to achieve security and peace and to strengthen the foundations of regional stability.

They called for a full and lasting ceasefire, an end to civilian suffering, and unrestricted humanitarian access into Gaza. They also urged the start of early recovery and reconstruction efforts and the creation of conditions that would allow the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities in the territory, paving the way for a new phase of security and stability in the region.

The ministers affirmed their countries’ readiness to continue working and coordinating with the United States and all relevant regional and international parties to ensure full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803 and all related resolutions.

They said the objective was to provide an environment conducive to achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in line with international legitimacy and the two state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, including the occupied territories in Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Gulf

Saudi FM, Qatari PM Co-Chair Coordination Council Executive Committee Meeting

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA
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Saudi FM, Qatari PM Co-Chair Coordination Council Executive Committee Meeting

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani co-chair the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Thursday with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Riyadh.

The meeting reviewed bilateral relations, aspects of cooperation, and ways to develop them in a manner that meets the aspirations of the leaderships and peoples of the two countries.

Following the meeting, Prince Faisal and Sheikh Mohammed co-chaired the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

They reviewed the strong fraternal relations and ways to enhance them at bilateral and multilateral levels. They also discussed strengthening cooperation through several initiatives that would elevate relations to broader prospects.

Both sides praised the cooperation and coordination among the committees and working groups formed under the coordination council, stressing the importance of maintaining this level of progress to serve the mutual interests of both nations and their peoples.

The Executive Committee Secretariat presented an overview of the council’s activities and its committees over the past period, along with the latest updates and preparatory work for the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

At the end of the meeting, the two ministers signed the minutes of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council.

Gulf

Albudaiwi: GCC is a Global Investment Magnet, Driven by Stability and Economic Strength

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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Albudaiwi: GCC is a Global Investment Magnet, Driven by Stability and Economic Strength

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stated that the strategic geographical location, political stability, and strong economic foundations of the Gulf states, coupled with the acceleration of Gulf integration projects, make the GCC a global destination attractive for investment and a key platform for international partnerships.

These factors, he added, enhance the status of the council states as a major player in shaping the future of the global economy, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The secretary-general's remarks were made during his participation in the opening session of the seventh Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Reviewing global economic transformations, Albudaiwi emphasized that the Gulf economy is undergoing a strong and sustainable phase, reflecting the success of economic reforms and strategic investments in future sectors.

He said that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the GCC states reached approximately $2.3 trillion in 2024, positioning the council states in ninth place globally and accounting for 63% of the total Arab economy. He added that the contribution of non-oil sectors exceeded 76% of the GDP, an indicator reflecting the success of economic diversification policies.

Albudaiwi also pointed to the strength and stability of the GCC financial sector, which boasts a market value exceeding $4.2 trillion, banking assets amounting to $3.5 trillion, and reserves approaching $800 billion. This is in addition to sovereign wealth funds exceeding $4.8 trillion, a fact that solidifies the council states' position as a key player in enhancing global economic stability, he stressed.

The secretary-general revealed that the GCC states are negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with numerous international partners, including the United Kingdom, China, Türkiye, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Korea. These negotiations aim to enhance trade and investment flows, diversify income sources, and open new markets for Gulf products, thereby elevating competitiveness and reducing consumer prices within the GCC states.

Regarding artificial intelligence, he confirmed that the GCC states treat AI as a fundamental pillar for economic and social transformation.

The General Secretariat has adopted several regulatory frameworks and guiding principles, including the Guiding Framework for AI Ethics (2024), the General Framework for AI Applications in Public Services (October 2025), and the General Framework for Climate Forecasting and Disaster Management using AI (October 2025). Furthermore, the comprehensive Gulf Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is set to be adopted in December 2025.