Arab League chief condemns Israeli calls for displacement of Palestinians

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy has strongly condemned statements by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz calling for the displacement of the Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip. Fahmy stressed that such remarks undermine international efforts to achieve peace, end the war in Gaza, and alleviate the ongoing humanitarian suffering caused by Israel’s continued unilateral escalation in the territory over recent months.

Fahmy reiterated that any discussion of displacing the Palestinian people is categorically unacceptable. He said that such statements, plans, and actions targeting the inalienable rights of Palestinians constitute a clear and explicit violation of international law and international humanitarian law.

He noted that issuing such statements at a time when Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer, and as Israel ignores internationally backed peace initiatives, reflects a deliberate attempt by the occupying power to complicate the situation, threaten regional security and stability, and distract from the real reasons hindering peace efforts.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed his support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land, emphasizing that any discussion about Gaza’s geography or demographics is inseparable from the broader issue of establishing an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions. He warned of the grave consequences such statements pose for peace and stability in the region, describing them as part of Israel’s ongoing escalation that risks a new wave of instability for narrow electoral gains. Fahmy called on the international community and its institutions to confront these statements promptly and fulfill their responsibilities to prevent any measures that could alter the situation on the ground or undermine the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.