The Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness)
commends the emergency Arab summit in Cairo on the latest developments in Palestine.
Witness also praises the unified Arab stance that firmly rejects forced
displacement policies targeting Palestinians in Gaza strip and West Bank, underscores
Arab nations’ commitment to Gaza reconstruction, and calls for the completion
of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The outcomes endorsed by the Arab states mark a decisive
moment in regional engagement, reaffirming their steadfast stance against
attempts to impose forced demographic changes on Gaza, as outlined in the U.S.
proposal. In this context, Witness emphasizes the following:
- The importance of translating the summit’s
decisions into practical and concrete actions, ensuring their effective
implementation by member states and real protection of Palestinian rights.
- A call for serious diplomatic and legal actions,
including supporting efforts in international forums like the UN and ICC
to hold the occupation accountable for its crimes.
- Strengthening Arab political and economic support,
particularly for Gaza's reconstruction and Palestinian refugees, in line
with the outcomes of the upcoming reconstruction conference in Cairo.
- Reaffirming the rejection of any initiatives that
legitimize the occupation or undermine the Palestinian people's
inalienable rights, including the right of return and self-determination.
- Affirming the Palestinian right to
self-determination and governance, ensuring Arab reconstruction efforts
avoid foreign interference, while upholding the right to resist occupation
and defend Palestinian sovereignty.
- Importance to internationalize the outcomes of the
Arab summit by presenting them as a proposal in the UN General Assembly,
gaining broad diplomatic support and ensuring international follow-up. The
participation of the UN Secretary-General, alongside member states, will
enhance the significance of these outcomes and support their
implementation on the ground.
In this context, we at the Palestinian Association for Human
Rights (Witness) call on Arab states and the international community to uphold
their legal and ethical responsibilities towards Palestine, taking practical
measures to halt the occupation's violations and ensure justice. We also
emphasize the need for member states to adopt serious follow-up mechanisms for
the summit’s outcomes to ensure their effective implementation.
The Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness)
March 5, 2025