Cairo: The League of Arab Council, operating at the level of permanent representatives, has issued a call to the international community to urgently address the blockade on the Gaza Strip. The Council demands action in line with international humanitarian law to stop Israeli aggression, acknowledge the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and lift the blockade that has crippled the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Council has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Palestinian sovereignty over the Ibrahimi Mosque and its surroundings in Hebron's Old City, firmly opposing any attempts to alter the existing situation there. During an extraordinary session held at the Arab League's Cairo headquarters, the Council issued resolutions condemning Israel for turning Gaza into a famine-stricken area and employing starvation as a war tactic against Palestinians.
The Council stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and for international accountability mechanisms to address Israeli violations. It highlighted the importance of implementing decisions from Arab and Islamic Summits to end the blockade, facilitate the entry of humanitarian convoys, and support UNRWA's efforts in the region.
The Council urged the global community, particularly the United States, to press Israel to open crossings for immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the dire need to save vulnerable populations from the ongoing humanitarian crisis. It also condemned mechanisms like the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, criticizing them as illegitimate tools for perpetuating aggressive policies against civilians.
The Council accused Israel of practicing policies amounting to genocide, as defined by the Rome Statute of the ICC and the 1948 Genocide Convention. It condemned attacks on religious sites, including a recent assault on the Latin Church in Gaza City, and criticized economic measures against Palestine, calling for the release of Palestinian tax funds.
The Council welcomed a statement from multiple countries demanding an end to Israeli aggression and urged the international community to recognize the State of Palestine. It also expressed solidarity with UN officials facing pressure for supporting Palestinian rights.
In response to plans by the Israeli occupation government to alter the status of the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Council reiterated its rejection of any changes and held Israel responsible for attacks on the site. The Council emphasized the need to uphold UNESCO's 2017 decision recognizing the mosque as a World Heritage site in danger.
The Council condemned Israeli and settler actions in Hebron and called for UN intervention to protect Palestinian civilians. It requested ongoing monitoring and documentation of Israeli violations and urged the Arab League and UN to implement protective measures.