Arab League foreign ministers assessed regional developments at the 166th Ministerial-Level Meeting held at the organization’s headquarters in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. The meeting condemned Iran’s steps to escalate tensions and its attacks targeting several Arab countries, while calling for an end to Israel’s attacks and violations in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria.
The meeting was chaired by Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Nafti in his capacity as the current chair.
Egypt calls for a return to diplomacy
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty strongly condemned the Iranian attacks targeting several Arab countries. Abdelatty said Cairo would not accept violations of Arab countries’ sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
Abdelatty said diplomatic channels should be restored to prevent the conflict from expanding and to reduce tensions. He expressed hope that a final and sustainable agreement would be reached on the basis of the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran in June.
Call for a Gaza ceasefire and aid
The Egyptian foreign minister said rapid developments in the region should not overshadow the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. He reiterated Egypt’s opposition to forced displacement, illegal settlements, annexation and efforts aimed at eliminating the Palestinian cause.
Abdelatty called for continued efforts to make the ceasefire in Gaza permanent and implement the understandings reached under the Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement. He also called for moving to the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan and completing a road map that would ensure Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Abdelatty also said uninterrupted humanitarian aid should reach Gaza and that support should be provided for early recovery and reconstruction efforts. He called for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to be empowered so that the Palestinian Authority can fully assume its responsibilities in Gaza and the West Bank.
