RIYADH — The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, emphasized that Israel's current strategy aims to eradicate the Palestinian community in Gaza through either coercive or voluntary displacement, effectively dismantling the entire society, its institutions, and social fabric. This, he said, would extinguish any hopes for future restoration and undermine Palestinian aspirations for an independent state. Aboul Gheit made these remarks during his participation in the Extraordinary Arab Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on Monday. He noted that Israel's actions are hindering prospects for coexistence in the region and obstructing the potential for peace, which the Arab world advocates for based on justice. The summit, he stated, sends a clear message: the world cannot endure the ongoing violence, which threatens the stability of the entire region. "The absence of accountability for Israel has emboldened it to pursue indescribable plans," Aboul Gheit said. He reiterated that the Middle East will not abandon its call for the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also highlighted the ongoing violence in Lebanon, with continued bombings resulting in the loss of innocent lives and widespread destruction of both private and public property. The civilian casualty count, he noted, is rising, and the plight of the one million displaced individuals is worsening, adding further burden to a nation already suffering from prolonged crises. Aboul Gheit called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, contingent upon the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its phases to ensure security on both sides of the border. He concluded by stressing that the situation in both Gaza and Lebanon must be addressed urgently to prevent further escalation and suffering.
