Cairo: The African Union Chairman, Joo Louren§o, recently addressed the Arab League Summit in Cairo, Egypt, expressing strong opposition to the displacement of the Palestinian people from their territories. He criticized the ongoing policy of settlement expansion, the occupation, and the illegal annexation of Palestinian lands.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Joo Louren§o emphasized the importance of tolerance and coexistence among religions to prevent fanaticism and radicalism, which can escalate into hatred and violence. Representing the African Union, he reaffirmed the commitment to collaborate with the Arab League in seeking peaceful and lasting resolutions for the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as for the broader region.
Joo Louren§o recognized the Palestinian Authority and pledged full support for its quest for self-determination, in line with United Nations resolution 149 of 1948 and subsequent resolutions. He supported the establishment of Palestinian territories based on pre-June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital.
He praised the Arab League’s efforts in mediating the conflict and encouraged continued engagement to solidify the results achieved so far. His objective is to facilitate a permanent ceasefire, complete the exchange of hostages and prisoners, increase humanitarian aid, ensure the return of Palestinians to Gaza, and start its reconstruction towards establishing a free and sovereign Palestinian state.
Joo Louren§o highlighted the necessity of the summit to reinforce a unified stance on the Palestinian cause, focusing on reconstruction and the return of displaced populations. Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has escalated following attacks by Hamas and Israel’s military response, leading to significant destruction and humanitarian crises in Gaza.
He cautioned against the potential regional spread of the conflict, which could threaten peace and stability in the Middle East and globally. He emphasized that this conflict is currently the focal point of international relations, particularly for the United Nations.
Addressing an audience that included UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres, he noted Africa’s unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination, emphasizing a political solution based on two states for regional peace and security. He also recalled the African Union’s solidarity with Palestine, as reaffirmed during a recent conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Joo Louren§o welcomed the phased ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, achieved through diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. He urged the continuation of hostages’ release and called for the opening of humanitarian corridors and the return of displaced Palestinians.
The summit convened to address the Palestinian situation, responding to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gazans to Egypt and Jordan. Egypt, hosting the summit, plans to present a reconstruction strategy for Gaza, emphasizing Palestinian involvement and reaffirming support for their rights, including self-determination and East Jerusalem as the capital.