Cairo: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi on Thursday handed over the presidency of the 164th ordinary session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level to the United Arab Emirates. In his opening address, Safadi said the Council convenes "in an ordinary session under circumstances that are anything but ordinary," warning that the danger of Israeli aggression is escalating and poses a threat to the entire Arab system and the security of the region.
According to Jordan News Agency, Safadi addressed the Council, accusing Israel of having no constraints on its aggressive actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and its impact on Syria and Lebanon. He accused the Israeli government of openly attempting to redraw regional boundaries, undermining international law, and disregarding human values. Safadi highlighted Israel's destructive activities in Gaza and the West Bank and its plans to impose sovereignty over Palestinian territories.
Safadi further accused Israel of exploiting Syria's transitional phase to interfere with its national affairs and sovereignty. He spoke against Israel's continued occupation of Lebanese territory and its failure to adhere to previous commitments. Safadi warned of Israel's intentions to make Gaza uninhabitable as part of a colonial scheme, while besieging Palestinians in the West Bank to dismantle their leadership.
Emphasizing the need for reassessment of Arab strategies, Safadi described the situation as an unprecedented challenge to regional security, stability, and interests. He reiterated Jordan's opposition to any attempts to displace Palestinians, calling it a crime, and emphasized the importance of ending Israel's aggression on Gaza. Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to defending Jerusalem's holy sites under the Hashemite custodianship.
Safadi condemned Israeli measures in the West Bank that hinder the establishment of a Palestinian state and criticized extremist Israeli rhetoric. He expressed support for the Palestinian Authority and President Mahmoud Abbas's reform vision, and welcomed initiatives from Saudi Arabia and France for a two-state solution. He also highlighted the importance of the upcoming international conference at the UN General Assembly for Palestinian rights.
Safadi reiterated Jordan's support for Syria's security and sovereignty and warned against the impact of Israeli interventions. He highlighted Jordan's efforts in hosting meetings to stabilize southern Syria. Additionally, he voiced support for Lebanon's stability, Sudan's unity, and efforts to resolve conflicts in Libya and Yemen.
Concluding his address, Safadi emphasized the necessity of joint Arab action, thanking the Arab League Secretariat for its cooperation during Jordan's presidency. He then invited UAE Minister of State Khalifa Al Marar to take over the chairmanship of the new session.