Arab League reaffirms support for Palestinian statehood, unity of territory

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy has affirmed that the League, in cooperation with its member states and partners, will continue efforts to end the suffering of the Palestinian people, mobilize humanitarian, political, and legal support, implement international legitimacy resolutions, and ensure that Gaza remains an integral part of an independent Palestinian state.

His remarks were delivered on his behalf by Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector, Ambassador Dr. Faid Mustafa, during an event commemorating the victims of what was described as the crime of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza, held at the League's headquarters in Cairo.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza

Fahmy noted that marking October 17 renews the commitment to defending human dignity, safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people, and working to end the tragedy facing Gaza's residents.

He pointed out that Palestinian medical statistics indicate the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 74,000, including more than 21,000 children, while the number of women killed or injured has exceeded 35,000 since October 2023.

He warned that the ongoing deprivation of water, food, and medicine, the shrinking of safe areas, and the disruption of aid and reconstruction materials are worsening the humanitarian crisis.

He called for ensuring the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, securing medical supplies, food, and fuel, restoring water and sewage networks, and resuming essential services. He stressed that recovery and reconstruction cannot be achieved without providing the basic necessities for a dignified life for the population.

Ceasefire and political process

Fahmy stated that the continued Israeli military presence and expanding control over parts of Gaza are further restricting civilian space and raising questions about commitments to a ceasefire. He emphasized the need to uphold the ceasefire, ensure military withdrawal as agreed, and enable the Palestinian Authority to fulfill its role in Gaza.

He stressed that a just peace requires a clear political path to end the occupation, preserve the unity of Palestinian territory, guarantee the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, and lead to the establishment of an independent, sovereign state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.