Arab parliament supports Egypt, Qatar's efforts to ceasefire in Gaza

CAIRO - 9 July 2024: The Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Adel Al-Assoumi, emphasized the urgent need to end the war in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, most of them children and women.

The conflict has caused extensive destruction to infrastructure and a collapse of the health and food systems, leaving the basics of human life unattainable in Gaza due to continuous daily bombings and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Al-Assoumi expressed appreciation for the roles of Egypt and Qatar in striving to secure a ceasefire.

During a meeting of the Palestine Committee at the Arab Parliament's headquarters, Al-Assoumi stated that the Arab Parliament has been in continuous and emergency session since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023.

He highlighted the Arab Parliament’s ongoing international, regional, and parliamentary efforts to support the Palestinian cause, advocating for the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights and the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital.

He praised efforts aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire, the return of displaced persons, and the adequate delivery of humanitarian aid to address the crisis in Gaza.

In his speech, Al-Assoumi expressed the Arab Parliament’s appreciation for the commendable positions of three European countries that have supported justice, international law, and the just causes of the Palestinian people. He noted that recognition from politically significant countries within the European Union, and globally, comes at a crucial time amidst continuous aggression and acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem.

Al-Assoumi denounced Israel's attempts to label the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization and to criminalize its activities. He viewed this as part of a broader effort to undermine the Palestinian cause and eliminate the right of return.

The Arab Parliament called on the international community, international organizations, and human rights organizations to "take responsibility for stopping these crimes and repeated violations," emphasizing the need for international protection for the Palestinian people. Al-Assoumi stressed the importance of immediate and effective action to compel Israel to cease its continuous violations of international law and humanitarian law.

The Arab Parliament demanded the protection of relief organizations and their staff, particularly UNRWA, which plays a crucial humanitarian role in providing aid and services to Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip.