Arab League warns against erasing Jerusalem’s identity, urges protection of Palestinian heritage

The Arab League has warned against Israeli policies aimed at erasing the Arab and religious identity of Jerusalem, as well as the destruction of historical sites and cultural institutions in Gaza. The organization called on the international community, especially UNESCO, to take responsibility in protecting Palestinian heritage and preserving the cultural and historical identity of the Palestinian people.

The statement came during the Arab League’s participation in the first global summit in the Arab world, held in the Jordanian capital Amman under the theme "Dialogue, Cultural Heritage, and Partnership for Our Shared Future," according to a statement from the Arab League’s General Secretariat in Cairo on Monday.

Ambassador Dr. Faid Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector at the Arab League, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy during the opening session, said the Palestinian cause is not only a political issue related to occupation and legitimate national rights, but also a civilizational and humanitarian matter connected to the protection of history, identity, memory, and holy sites.

He stressed the need to protect Palestinian historical sites and cultural institutions from Israeli violations, noting that safeguarding heritage and cultural identity is part of protecting the civilizational security of societies, and that pride in Arab identity does not conflict with openness to other cultures.

The Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector at the Arab League emphasized the importance of building an Arab world that preserves its identity without isolation, remains open to the world without losing its uniqueness, and transforms its civilizational heritage into a source of creativity, renewal, and participation in shaping the future.