The 33rd Arab Summit held in Manama, Bahrain focused on addressing the issues facing Arab countries, with a particular emphasis on the Palestinian cause. Arab leaders came together to discuss joint action plans to ensure peace and stability in the GCC region, especially in Palestine. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa presided over the summit, with the Bahraini delegation led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The summit began with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a speech by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who highlighted the importance of pursuing a just solution to the Palestinian issue based on UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, delivered the speech on King Salman’s behalf.
During the summit, His Majesty King Hamad proposed initiatives essential for the stability and development of the region, including calling for an international conference for peace in the Middle East, supporting the recognition of the State of Palestine, and developing Arab cooperation in financial technology and digital transformation. These initiatives were approved by the Arab Summit, highlighting the commitment of Arab leaders to finding solutions to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security. The war in Gaza was described as a threat to the entire region, and Guterres condemned the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Efforts must be made to end the cycle of violence through diplomatic means and support for the Palestinian people.
During the summit, various Arab leaders expressed their concerns and proposed solutions to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed AbulGheit called the aggression on the Palestinian people in Gaza a critical juncture, and emphasized the need for international support for the Palestinian cause. King Abdullah II of Jordan stressed the importance of ending the war and supporting the Palestinians in establishing a state.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi highlighted the choice between peace and chaos in the region, urging against the destruction of Palestine and supporting efforts for stability. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for urgent Arab support to help Palestine and to address the Israeli aggression and international double standards. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the Kingdom’s support for a Palestinian state and urged for a ceasefire in Gaza to address humanitarian conditions.
Overall, the 33rd Arab Summit in Manama, Bahrain brought together Arab leaders to discuss the Palestinian cause and regional stability. The summit focused on addressing the ongoing conflicts in the region and proposing initiatives to support peace and development. The commitment of Arab leaders to finding solutions to the challenges facing Arab countries was evident in the discussions and proposals put forth during the summit.
