On November 2, 2024, the Arab League issued a powerful appeal to the United Nations Security Council and the international community, urging them to assume their responsibilities by exerting pressure on Israel to cease its military actions against the Palestinian people. The organization emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip, where conditions have become increasingly dire.
In a statement released on the 107th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, the Arab League called on Britain and other nations that have yet to recognize the Palestinian state to take this crucial step in support of peace, aligning with the principles of the two-state solution. The statement underscored that the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is fundamental to achieving stability and justice in the region.
The Arab League reiterated its commitment to a just and lasting peace through the end of Israel's occupation of all Palestinian and Arab territories occupied since 1967, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital was identified as essential for fulfilling international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. The League highlighted that this move would respect international laws and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom and independence.
The statement characterized the Balfour Declaration as a “profound wound” inflicted on the Palestinian people and the global conscience, linking it to the Nakba and the ongoing hardships faced by Palestinians. The Arab League pointed out various Israeli policies that have contributed to this enduring suffering, including territorial annexations, settlement expansions, economic restrictions, and the desecration of religious sites.
In addressing the international community, the Arab League criticized its failure to hold Israel accountable for ongoing violations of Palestinian rights. This failure, it argued, reflects a broader inability to uphold international law and protect the rights of occupied people. By denying Palestinians their right to self-determination, the international community has perpetuated a cycle of aggression and dispossession that threatens regional stability and human dignity.
The Arab League also raised concerns about Israel’s expanding military operations beyond Gaza, specifically actions directed at Lebanon and the Golan Heights, warning that these could further destabilize the region. The League expressed deep apprehension regarding Israel's escalation of operations and highlighted the potential for a broader regional conflict.
Furthermore, the Arab League condemned Israel’s recent decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories. It labeled this action as a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and a threat to the survival of Palestinians who rely on the agency for assistance. The League urged Israel to uphold UNRWA’s mandate and allow the agency to continue its vital work, which provides essential aid to Palestinian communities.
In conclusion, the Arab League implored the international community to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to ensure the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statement reflects the Arab League’s call for immediate and coordinated action to address longstanding grievances, ensure human rights protections, and advance peace in the Middle East.