Arab League: Morocco reiterates call for lasting ceasefire in Gaza, respect of international law

Morocco has reiterated its call for urgent, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire in Palestinian territories, stressing the need to respect international and humanitarian laws and supplying humanitarian aid without restrictions to besieged Palestinian people.

In his opening address at the 161st session of the Arab League ministerial Council convened Wednesday in Cairo, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita reaffirmed the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to the Palestinian legitimate cause.

Morocco’s commitment to the Palestinian issue, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, is “constant, concrete and cannot be the subject of outbidding or slogans,” Bourita said.

Bourita, who underlined that Rabat insistently opposes forced displacement of Palestinians, recalled that upon the instructions of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of Al-Quds Committee, Morocco sent to the Palestinian people large quantities of urgent humanitarian aid including foodstuffs and medical supplies, while Bayt Mal Al-Quds al Sharif Agency, provided support to the main hospitals and social institutions in charge of emergency medical and social cases arising from developments in the Gaza Strip.

Morocco has also injected additional $25 million in “Al Aqsa Fund” and “Al Quds Intifada Fund” to strengthen the Palestinian people’s resilience against the Israeli aggressions and daily attacks.

“Anyone who believes that peace and stability in the Middle East can only be achieved through military solutions or plans to displace the Palestinians is mistaken,” said Mr. Bourita, warning that the Israeli military escalation would only exacerbate hostility, revenge, and extremism, and lead to anarchy and endless violence.

As King Mohammed VI, Chairman of Al Quds Committee, has repeatedly said, peace remains the only strategic option for the region and its stability, underlined the Minister.

Bourita recalled that as part of support to the Palestinian people, the Arab League Council at delegates level remained in permanent session to monitor developments in Gaza.

He also tackled the political crises, wars, and conflicts rocking some Arab countries such as Yemen, Sudan, and Syria, voicing hope to see stability restored in these countries by promoting dialogue and peaceful initiatives, far from the logic of force and military solutions.

At the end of the Arab League meeting, the Arab foreign ministers called for the respect of the Skhirat Agreement, sealed in 2015, as a basis for a comprehensive settlement of the Libyan crisis.

The ministers also reiterated attachment to the unity, sovereignty, and independence of Libya, rejecting any foreign interference in this country’s internal affairs.

The Council of Arab Foreign Ministers congratulated Morocco for its election to the presidency of the UNHRC for 2024 and for winning its bid for hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

On the sidelines of the Arab league gathering, the Moroccan foreign minister met with several Arab peers including the foreign ministers of Mauritania, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, as well as with the Arab League Secretary General . Talks focused on issues of common interests and latest developments on the regional and international scene.