Arab Foreign Ministers Demand Israel’s Complete Withdrawal from Gaza Strip

In a stern resolution issued after the 162nd session of the Arab League (AL) Council at the ministerial level in Cairo, Egypt, foreign ministers of Arab countries have urged Israel to withdraw completely from the Gaza Strip, including the Philadelphi Corridor and the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing. The demand comes as a response to Israel’s continued control over the region, which has been met with resistance from the international community.

The resolution, which was adopted by the Arab League, categorically rejects Israel’s plans for “the day after its aggression” and its control over any part of Gaza. The ministers also rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims that Israel will not withdraw from the corridor, labeling them as “desperate attempts” to justify his refusal to withdraw.

The resolution emphasizes the need to operate the Rafah crossing in accordance with the applicable rules, and to remove all obstacles to safe, sufficient, and rapid humanitarian access through the crossing. The Israeli army took control of the Philadelphi Corridor and the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing in May, halting the entry of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza.

In addition to the demand for Israel’s withdrawal, the resolution also calls for confirming the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in Gaza, ending its illegal presence there as soon as possible, and immediately dismantling all settlement activities. The ministers also agreed to officially intervene to support the lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel before the UN’s principal judicial organ, the International Court of Justice.

Furthermore, the resolution urges the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, who they believe have committed crimes falling within its jurisdiction. The ministers also called for the Palestine-Egypt borders to be respected and for the Rafah crossing to be operated in accordance with the applicable rules.

The attendance of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the meeting marked the first attendance of a top Turkish diplomat in an AL ministerial meeting in 13 years. The presence of officials from the United Nations and the European Union also underscored the international community’s concern over the situation in Gaza.

The resolution is a clear indication of the Arab League’s stance on the issue and its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people. The demand for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza is a crucial step towards achieving peace and stability in the region.