Arab League Demands Ceasefire and International Recognition of Palestinian State

On May 16, 2024, the Arab League's 22 member countries adopted a unified position on a political settlement for the Gaza Strip at a summit in Manama, Bahrain. The summit, chaired by Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, resulted in the 'Bahrain Declaration,' which outlined several key demands aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.

The declaration called for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the lifting of the siege on the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the Arab League emphasized the need for international recognition of a Palestinian state and reiterated its support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Why this matters: The Arab League's unified stance on the Gaza Strip conflict has significant implications for the Middle East peace process, as it brings together 22 countries in a collective call for a two-state solution. This development could potentially influence international diplomacy and negotiations, leading to a more comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict.

The summit also addressed the deployment of United Nations-mandated peacekeeping forces in the occupied Palestinian territories until the two-state solution is implemented. This marks the first time the Arab League has officially requested such a deployment in a written document.

The Arab League's position diverges from those of the United States and Israel, particularly on the recognition of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The US has rejected the Arab plan and exercised its double veto of the United Nations Security Council resolutions on the issue.

Prominent leaders attended the summit, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The summit also saw the participation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, marking his second attendance since Syria rejoined the Arab League last year.

The Bahrain Declaration emphasized the importance of joint Arab action in maintaining security and stability in Arab states, as well as cooperation and integration in all fields. The declaration recognized the strategic importance of the Arab nation at the global level, its economic potential, and human resources.

The Arab League's unified position represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict, with all member countries agreeing on a set of conditions for a political settlement. However, the deployment of UN-mandated peacekeeping forces faces significant hurdles, including the need for Security Council approval and agreement from both Israel and Hamas.

The summit also addressed various challenges facing the Arab world, including conflicts and unrest in Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The Arab League reaffirmed its adherence to the freedom of maritime navigation and called for the protection of civilians, the release of hostages, and a quick and lasting ceasefire.

The Bahrain Declaration marks a unified Arab stance on the Gaza Strip conflict, emphasizing the need for international recognition of a Palestinian state and a comprehensive peaceful settlement. The Arab League's call for an international peace conference under the aegis of the United Nations aims to advance the peace process and achieve a just solution based on the two-state framework.

Key Takeaways

• Arab League's 22 member countries adopt unified position on Gaza Strip conflict.
• Bahrain Declaration calls for immediate ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and Palestinian state recognition.
• Arab League requests UN-mandated peacekeeping forces in occupied Palestinian territories.
• Unified stance diverges from US and Israel's positions on Palestinian state recognition.
• Declaration emphasizes need for international recognition of Palestinian state and two-state solution.