UAE joins Arab states to reiterate call for immediate end to Gaza war

The UAE has joined Arab states to demand an immediate halt to the war in Gaza and the establishment of a fund for its reconstruction during a summit in Baghdad.

Adopted at the end of the 34th Arab Summit, the Baghdad Declaration also underscored the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the urgent need to provide humanitarian aid and provide care for orphans and the wounded.

The Arab leaders also reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The declaration also strongly condemned "all illegal practices" carried out by Israel and firmly rejected any forced displacement of the Palestinian people, national news agency Wam reported.

The UAE delegation was led by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The declaration also reiterated full support for the UAE's sovereignty over its three islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, which are occupied by Iran. It urged Iran to respond positively to the UAE’s initiative to resolve the issue peacefully, either through direct bilateral negotiations or by resorting to the International Court of Justice, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, in a manner that fosters trust and strengthens security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region.

On development, the declaration adopted strategic initiatives focused on food security, artificial intelligence, women’s empowerment, technical education, and renewable energy, alongside enhanced Arab cooperation to confront regional and global challenges.

On security, the declaration reaffirmed the rejection of all forms of terrorism and the need to counter hate speech and extremism. It welcomed the establishment of Iraq’s National Centre for Counter-Terrorism.

The declaration also voiced support for the ongoing nuclear talks between the US and Iran, commending Oman’s role in facilitating the discussions. It further called for the removal of weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East.