Iraq confirms hosting of Arab League summit to tackle major regional concerns

Iraq is fully prepared to host the next summit of the Arab League of States (LAS) in Baghdad, as confirmed by Iraqi Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein.

“We are ready to hold the Arab summit in Baghdad,” Hussein stated while speaking to Iraqi media, per Caliber.Az.

“The situation in the region is extremely dangerous. There are important and sensitive issues that require high-level discussions. We will send out invitations to the Arab summit in Baghdad this week,” he added.

Earlier this month, Hussein announced that the upcoming LAS summit will take place on May 17, where the most pressing issues concerning the Arab world will be discussed. He further emphasized that Iraq is preparing a comprehensive agenda for the summit.

This announcement follows the Arab League's urgent summit on Palestine held in Cairo on March 4. The summit's final declaration reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state and addressed ongoing regional tensions.

The declaration also called for immediate action to halt Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories. Specifically, the LAS urged Israel to cease operations in the West Bank, halt the construction of new Jewish settlements, stop demolishing Palestinian homes, and end military actions within Palestinian settlements. Furthermore, the declaration called for the deployment of peacekeepers in Gaza and appealed to the UN Security Council (UNSC) to intervene.

The declaration stressed the importance of adhering to the Gaza ceasefire agreement and urged that the second and third phases of the deal be implemented. “The parties - especially Israel - must abide by the terms of the deal,” the declaration stated.

The LAS also reaffirmed its stance against any attempts to forcibly transfer Palestinians from their land. Despite controversial past proposals by U.S. President Donald Trump, including a plan to resettle Palestinians, the Arab countries expressed willingness to engage with the Trump administration to resume negotiations aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict.

In May 2024, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution recognizing Palestinians' right to full membership, acknowledging the independence of Palestine. The resolution received overwhelming support, with 143 out of 193 member states voting in favour, though it faced opposition from nine countries, including the US, Russia, China, and several Washington allies like France, Japan, and South Korea supported the motion, while Norway, Spain, and Ireland declared their readiness to officially recognize Palestine as an independent state, joining the 143 countries that have already acknowledged Palestinian independence.

The Arab League (officially the League of Arab States) was founded on March 22, 1945, to promote economic, cultural, and political cooperation among Arab countries. It currently comprises 22 member states, including nations in both North Africa and the Middle East, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Jordan.

The League’s primary goals are to foster economic integration, resolve regional conflicts, and strengthen political coordination among its members. It also addresses key issues such as regional security, human rights, and cultural exchange. The League's headquarters is in Cairo, Egypt.

Despite facing internal challenges and occasional disagreements among its members, the Arab League remains a crucial organization in the Arab world.

By Tamilla Hasanova