Istanbul: Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmad Aboul-Gheit emphasized that the Middle East is navigating a critical period, highlighting the risks associated with unresolved conflicts, particularly following the Israeli occupation's attack on Iran. His remarks came during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Istanbul.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Aboul-Gheit criticized the Israeli occupation for believing that security can be achieved through violence and force. He expressed concern that the long-standing occupation and its aggressive tactics against Palestinians and others have not led to peace or security. The Arab League chief condemned the military actions against Iran, advocating for diplomatic solutions and emphasizing the dangers of targeting nuclear facilities, which threaten regional civilian safety. He reiterated the Arab League's stance on eliminating nuclear weapons in the Middle East and urged Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Aboul-Gheit called for a return to negotiations, stressing that diplomatic solutions to concerns over Iran's nuclear program remain possible. He warned of the dire consequences of escalating conflicts in the region, which could jeopardize global security. Aboul-Gheit insisted that despite the gravity of current events, attention must remain on the Palestinian cause, citing a recent tragedy where 140 Palestinians were killed near food distribution centers. He criticized the use of the veto to shield the occupation and condemned the silence surrounding such crimes.
In his address, Aboul-Gheit underscored that the occupation is the primary source of regional instability and violence. He called for immediate action to protect the Palestinian people, framing it as a humanitarian and moral obligation. He warned against the influence of extremists who prioritize power and violence, which he argued would lead to catastrophic outcomes for future generations.