Syria took a firm stance at the emergency Arab League summit in Cairo, with President Ahmad al-Sharaa calling for unified Arab action against Israeli violations and reaffirming Syria’s commitment to regional stability. The summit, convened amid escalating tensions in Gaza and Syria, saw Arab leaders endorse an expanded plan for Gaza and condemn Israeli military actions in the region.
Arab League Expands Gaza Plan
A key outcome of the summit was the transformation of Egypt’s proposal for Gaza into a comprehensive Arab plan, approved by participating nations. The final statement reiterated the Arab League’s commitment to a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and regional security in accordance with the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
The League also announced the creation of a non-factional technocratic committee to administer Gaza for six months, aiming to stabilize the region and facilitate administrative reforms. The statement urged the UN to deploy peacekeeping forces in both the West Bank and Gaza to protect civilians and prevent further displacement of Palestinians.
Israeli Attacks & Occupation in Syria
Syria took center stage in discussions on Israeli military actions, with the summit’s final statement strongly condemning Israeli attacks and occupation in Syria. Leaders denounced the incursions as a violation of international law and called for urgent UN action to hold Israel accountable. The statement reaffirmed that the Golan Heights remains occupied Syrian land and rejected Israel’s unilateral decision to annex the territory.
Sharaa emphasized Syria’s adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement calling on Arab nations to take a unified stance against Israeli aggression. “The ongoing Israeli military attacks on Syria require the Arab countries to stand together against this escalation,” he said, urging regional cooperation to ensure security and stability.
Strengthening Arab Cooperation
During the summit, Sharaa met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to discuss border security and cooperation. The two leaders agreed to form joint committees to address ongoing border violations and enhance coordination.
Egypt’s President Sisi also held a high-level meeting with Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, marking a significant step in Syrian-Egyptian relations. Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity calling for comprehensive political processes to address Syria’s ongoing challenges. Sharaa, in turn, emphasized Syria’s intent to rebuild ties with Arab nations, particularly Egypt.
Return to the Arab League
Sharaa hailed Syria’s reinstatement in the Arab League as a historic moment that signals a renewed commitment to Arab solidarity. He highlighted the pressing need for collective action in facing political, economic, and humanitarian crises across the region. “Strengthening collective Arab action will help unify our ranks to confront challenges, and this step will contribute to finding Arab solutions to common crises,” he stated.
On Palestine, he reiterated Syria’s unwavering support, denouncing Israeli settlement expansion and displacement efforts. “The Palestinian cause is a fateful issue for all Arabs,” he said, calling for coordinated Arab action to defend Palestinian rights.
