The Arab League has officially welcomed Libya’s decision to join South Africa in a legal action against Israel, for its violations against Palestinians. This development, announced by the Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Mnifi, signifies Libya’s growing involvement in global justice matters, particularly concerning the Palestinian cause.
During a session of the Arab League, the Council expressed its strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing aggression towards Palestinian civilians. The blockade of Gaza was highlighted as a particularly grave concern, with the Council labelling it as a form of genocide.
The meeting focused on urging the United States, and other countries supporting Israel in the Security Council to adhere to international law. The Council stressed the importance of a comprehensive ceasefire, and called for Israel to cease its military operations, end the Gaza blockade, and halt forced displacement activities.
Alarmingly, the Council drew attention to Israel’s plans for the forced displacement of nearly two million Palestinians in Gaza, pushing them towards the Egyptian border. This act of systematic ethnic cleansing, as the Council noted, poses a significant threat to the Palestinian population.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Arab League called for the swift implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023), demanding immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, and conditions conducive to a lasting ceasefire.
The Council condemned Israel’s escalating offences in the West Bank and the prolonged siege of Al-Aqsa Mosque, urging nations which provide arms to Israel to halt their support, to prevent complicity in these crimes.
Reaffirming their commitment, the Council stated that Arab nations would not allow a repetition of the 1948 Nakba, and would counter Israeli plans for Palestinian displacement through political, diplomatic, legal, and economic means.
Recognizing the forced displacement as a deliberate attempt to undermine the Palestinian issue, the Council warned that this could escalate regional conflict and instability. The Council also expressed support for the Qatari-Egyptian efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire, and restore normalcy in Gaza.
To actualize these objectives, the Arab League decided to form a temporary committee, open to all permanent representatives and the General Secretariat. As well as to develop Arab strategies across legal, economic, political, and diplomatic fronts. The Secretary-General of the Arab League has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of these strategies.