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. Layla Hassan, Middle Eastern Political Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hassan. The recent summit in Saudi Arabia has made a strong statement about Israel’s withdrawal from territories occupied since 1967, suggesting it as a prerequisite for achieving peace. What do you think is the significance of this declaration in the context of ongoing tensions in the region?
**Dr. Hassan:** It’s a pivotal moment for regional diplomacy. The declaration underscores a longstanding position held by many Arab states: that a comprehensive peace cannot be established without a return to the 1967 borders. This perspective is not just about land; it involves recognition of Palestinian rights and sovereignty, which is crucial for any lasting peace.
**Interviewer:** The summit also condemned what they describe as Israeli genocide in Gaza and called for a halt to all arms sales to Israel. How do you see this framing affecting international relations and the potential for resolution?
**Dr. Hassan:** This framing is significant as it galvanizes international opinion and solidarity with the Palestinian cause. By labeling actions as ‘genocide’, Arab states are appealing to human rights advocates and positioning themselves as defenders of Palestinian rights. However, it also exacerbates tensions with Israel and its allies, particularly the U.S., complicating the path towards any negotiated resolution.
**Interviewer:** Israeli leaders, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, are advocating for the annexation of the West Bank—what implications do you think this has in the context of the recent summit’s resolutions?
**Dr. Hassan:** Smotrich’s stance to annex the occupied territories starkly contrasts with the summit’s call for withdrawal. This hardline position could undermine any diplomatic efforts for peace, making it appear that Israel is less interested in negotiation and more in territorial expansion. It may also provoke further unrest and resistance among Palestinians.
**Interviewer:** Given these conflicting positions, how do you envision the future of peace negotiations in the region?
**Dr. Hassan:** The path to peace is fraught with challenges. The contrasting narratives—the Arab League’s push for a unified Palestinian state versus Israeli expansionist policies—present a complex landscape. If both sides do not engage in dialogue and respect each other’s narratives and aspirations, the prospect for peace remains dim.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hassan. Before we wrap up, what do you think readers should consider regarding the implications of the summit’s declaration for the future of peace in the Middle East?
**Dr. Hassan:** I urge readers to reflect on the idea of justice in peace. Can a just peace truly be achieved without addressing historical grievances? The recognition of Palestinian rights and sovereignty is, to many, non-negotiable in this equation. It would be interesting to debate whether true reconciliation is possible under such entrenched positions—what are your thoughts on balancing justice with political realities?
