Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan called for an immediate halt to the war in Gaza, warning that its humanitarian and political consequences will reverberate across the region for years to come.

Speaking on behalf of King Abdullah II at the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad, Hassan emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict and easing the suffering of Palestinians.

“Our priority is to stop the war and respond to the growing humanitarian crisis,” he stated. “The world has stood powerless in the face of what is unfolding in Gaza.”

Hassan cautioned that the ongoing violence is destabilizing the region and undermining international law. Reaffirming Jordan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, he reiterated the Hashemite monarchy’s custodianship of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites.

“A just and comprehensive solution remains the only path to lasting peace,” he declared, warning that continued settlement expansion, land seizures, and violations in Jerusalem and the West Bank would only deepen instability in Israel and the wider region.

The Jordanian PM also endorsed mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, urging the international community to take more responsibility in delivering humanitarian relief to civilians under siege.

Addressing broader regional issues, he welcomed Washington’s decision to ease sanctions on Syria, expressing Jordan’s support for a unified, sovereign Syrian state. “Jordan will continue to stand by Syria and its people in their pursuit of peace and dignity after years of destruction.”

On Lebanon, Haasan reiterated Jordan’s commitment to preserving national institutions and sovereignty. He also called for coordinated Arab diplomacy to address the ongoing crises in Yemen, Libya, and Sudan.

Meanwhile, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed Somalia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during his keynote address at the 34th Ordinary Session of the Council of the Arab League at the summit level, held in Baghdad.

Addressing fellow Arab leaders, President Mohamud emphasized Somalia’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated the country’s long-standing position advocating for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem (Al Quds) as its capital.

“Our support for Palestine is rooted in justice, history, and our shared commitment to the rights of oppressed peoples,” the Somali president stated.

He added that Somalia remains firmly committed to a just and lasting solution that ensures full sovereignty and dignity for the Palestinian people.

The summit in Baghdad brought together leaders and high-ranking officials from across the Arab world to discuss key regional challenges, including the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

President Mohamud’s speech was welcomed by several delegations, who praised Somalia’s principled stance and its call for Arab unity in defending Palestinian rights.

Moreover, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon has entered a new chapter in its history by restoring state sovereignty and recommitting to national reforms.

“We meet today at a time when Lebanon has turned a new page in its history by restoring the state’s sovereignty over its entire territory,” Salam said in his opening remarks at the summit.

He emphasized Lebanon’s renewed independence in decisions of war and peace and highlighted ongoing reform efforts.

Addressing the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel that took effect on November 27, 2024, Salam reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to upholding the agreement but condemned ongoing Israeli violations and retaliatory actions.

“We face daily violations of our territory by Israel and the continued occupation of several sites,” he said. “The lack of accountability enables Israel to persist in its violations.”

He urged Arab nations to exert diplomatic pressure on the international community to compel Israel to withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territories.

“Arab solidarity with Lebanon and support for reconstruction are deeply appreciated,” he added.

Salam also issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, denouncing what he described as “a policy of systematic massacres and mass destruction.” He reaffirmed Lebanon’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called for the protection of Palestinians’ right to remain on their land in Gaza and the West Bank.

“We reject all attempts to transfer, displace or resettle Palestinians in other countries,” he stated. “We insist on the Palestinian people’s right of return.” (MORE)
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