In the midst of the escalating Israel-Hamas war, leaders, heads of government, and envoys from various nations gathered in Cairo on October 21, 2023, in response to Egypt’s call for a summit.
The primary objective of this summit was to foster international consensus transcending cultural, racial, religious, and political boundaries. At its core, this consensus is built upon the values of humanity and collective conscience, firmly rejecting violence, terrorism, and the unlawful taking of lives. The meeting sought to put an end to the ongoing war, which has tragically claimed thousands of innocent lives on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides.
A Global Call for Peace and Political Resolution
Egypt, as the host and initiator of the summit, looked forward to the participants launching a global call for peace. “This call emphasizes the importance of reassessing the international strategy for addressing the Palestinian issue. For decades, efforts have been focused on managing the conflict, rather than achieving a just and lasting solution. Temporary solutions and short-term measures have fallen short of meeting the legitimate aspirations of a people who have endured over 80 years of foreign occupation and the loss of hope,” said an official statement issued by the Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The summit underscored the gravity of the situation, where innocent lives are lost daily, and women and children live in fear under constant air strikes. It emphasized that the Palestinian people, like any other, are entitled to the rights enshrined in international humanitarian law and human rights conventions. These rights include the right to life, safe housing, access to healthcare, and education for their children. Above all, the summit aimed to promote the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with its capital in East Jerusalem, based on the June 1967 borders.
Inequalities in the International Response
The official statement issued at the end of the Cairo meeting pointed out significant disparities in the international community’s response to crises. It expressed bewilderment at the discrepancy between the swift condemnation of the killing of innocent people in one location and the hesitance or even attempts to justify such acts in another. The statement unequivocally emphasized that the right to life is the utmost right, which should be guaranteed to the Palestinian people.
Egypt’s Commitment to Peace
The Arab Republic of Egypt, which took the initiative to convene the Peace Summit, expressed its deep appreciation for the countries and organizations that responded to the invitation. Egypt remains committed to working with all partners to achieve the summit’s goals. It firmly supports the Palestinian rights and considers peace as a strategic and irreversible option. Egypt’s vision is that of a two-state solution, where Palestinian and Israeli states coexist side by side.
Egypt also made it clear that it will not accept any calls to undermine the Palestinian cause at the expense of regional stability. It remains resolute in safeguarding its sovereignty and national security, even in the face of escalating threats and challenges.
Meanwhile … The Situation in Gaza
According to reports in the public domain, the Israeli foreign ministry is evacuating its embassies in several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey. Furthermore, orders have been issued to employees of 20 embassies in Europe and Latin America to stay at home. This development indicates the increasing complexity of the conflict and its impact on diplomatic relations.
Additionally, the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) Commissioner-General reported that 17 of its staff members were killed in Gaza. Moreover, 35 UNRWA facilities were affected, some of which were directly targeted by bombings.
The international summit in Cairo represents a critical effort to address the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and to find a peaceful and just resolution. The summit’s call for a global peace initiative and its emphasis on the importance of reassessing the international strategy for the Palestinian issue demonstrate the urgency of the situation. It is imperative for the international community to respond appropriately and decisively to protect innocent lives and uphold the principles of humanity and international law.