In the final declaration from the summit in Saudi Arabia, it is stated that it is not possible to achieve a just peace in the Middle East until Israel completely withdraws from all areas occupied since 1967, i.e. Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan.
In the declaration, they refer to the Arab peace plan, which implies that all the Arab countries would recognize Israel if Israel withdrew to the 1967 borders.
The summit of the Arab League and the Organization of the Cooperation of Muslim Countries condemns what they call Israeli genocide in Gaza and demands an end to all arms sales to Israel. All countries must stop exporting weapons and ammunition to Israel, it says.
They pledge full political and diplomatic support for a unified Palestinian state ruling over all the territories now occupied or annexed, including East Jerusalem which Israel has already made part of Israel.
In the declaration, they also condemn what they call continuous Israeli attacks on the UN and the UN Secretary-General, pointing out that Israel has refused UN personnel to enter Gaza.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said earlier on Monday that a Palestinian state is not realistic, and later that day Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded that Israel annex the entire occupied West Bank.
Smotrich says he has asked the Ministry of Defense’s Department for the Settlements to initially prepare the infrastructure for an extension of Israeli sovereignty to the Israeli settlements, which comprise 30 percent of the occupied West Bank.
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**Interview with Dr. Samira El-Amin, Middle Eastern Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Amin. The recent summit in Saudi Arabia has sparked significant discussions with its strong statements regarding Israel and the Palestinian territories. Can you explain the implications of the summit’s declaration that a just peace in the Middle East is contingent upon Israel’s full withdrawal from territories occupied since 1967?
**Dr. El-Amin:** Absolutely. The declaration emphasizes a clear stance that any peace process must start from the recognition of Palestinian rights to their territories. This includes Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. It reflects a long-standing principle in international diplomacy that insists upon resolving conflicts by addressing the core issues—land, sovereignty, and recognition.
**Interviewer:** The declaration also calls for an end to arms sales to Israel and offers full support for a unified Palestinian state. How do you see this influencing international relations, particularly regarding the U.S. and European nations that have historically supported Israel?
**Dr. El-Amin:** This could create a significant shift in the dynamic. If countries adhere to the summit’s calls, it could highlight a growing divide between those supporting Israel’s current policies and those advocating for Palestinian rights. The U.S. and European nations will be put in a position where they need to reconcile their foreign policy with the expectations of Arab and Muslim-majority states, which may lead to increased diplomatic tensions.
**Interviewer:** Israeli officials, like Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, have dismissed the idea of a Palestinian state as unrealistic, with further calls for annexation of the West Bank. How do you interpret these responses in light of the summit’s declarations?
**Dr. El-Amin:** These responses signal a hardening of Israeli policy and potentially mark a pivotal moment in Israeli-Palestinian relations. If Israeli leaders dismiss the idea of returning to the 1967 borders while simultaneously pushing for annexation, it underscores a lack of willingness for compromise. This could provoke further isolation for Israel on the international stage if these actions are viewed as undermining peace efforts.
**Interviewer:** what do you think our readers should consider as they reflect on this situation? How might they view the balance of calls for peace versus the actions being taken by key players?
**Dr. El-Amin:** This is crucial. Readers should contemplate whether lasting peace can be achieved through unilateral actions that further entrench divisions or whether a collaborative approach emphasizing mutual recognition and respect for each other’s rights is possible. It raises important questions: Should the international community intervene more decisively in promoting dialogue, or is it time for nations to respect sovereignty and non-intervention? What steps can be taken to facilitate a genuine dialogue that prioritizes peace over occupation? This debate is vital and deserves engagement from all sides.