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stated that recent efforts had shifted global opinion against the Israeli occupation, calling it a system of apartheid outdated for our times.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.
