Why it matters:
The situation in Gaza has escalated to alarming levels, with significant humanitarian implications. The Arab League's condemnation reflects broader concerns about international inaction in the face of Israeli war crimes.
The big picture:
Aboul Gheit's remarks come during the 163rd regular meeting of Arab foreign ministers, where he emphasized that Israel has initiated a genocidal war against the people of Gaza. He pointed out that the conflict has resulted in over 51,000 Palestinian deaths in the past year and a half, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
What he is saying:
"The brutal war of the Israeli regime's army against Palestinian civilians continues with bombings, killings, destruction of homes, siege, starvation, and the refusal of aid, while many who claim to defend human values remain silent," Aboul Gheit stated.
He accused Israel of promoting displacement plans to facilitate settlement expansion and occupation of Gaza.
He criticized the complete siege of Gaza, which has blocked humanitarian aid and essential supplies.
The Secretary-General described the Israeli campaign as an act of ethnic cleansing, driven by extreme right-wing parties' agendas to reoccupy parts of Gaza and normalize daily killings of Palestinians.
He called the global silence regarding the inhumane situation in Gaza "shameful and disgraceful."
Key points:
- The Gaza conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, led to a humanitarian disaster and a failure to achieve its stated objectives.
- Following a ceasefire agreement on January 19, 2025, negotiations for a second phase were abruptly halted by Israel, leading to renewed military actions against Gaza.
Go deeper:
Civil Defense in Gaza Faces Dire Challenges Amid Ongoing Israeli Bombing
Zohre Khazaee
