Head of Palestine Sector at the Arab League: Documenting Israeli Crimes is a Legal and Moral Duty

Ambassador Dr. Faed Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector at the Arab League, participated in the opening session of the international symposium hosted by the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, titled "The Palestinian Cause: Challenges and Prospects."

This symposium took place on the sidelines of the consultative meeting that brought together the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, representatives of the Arab League, and the African Union within the framework of the joint coordination mechanism to support the Palestinian cause, adopted by the decision of the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2024.

The symposium included permanent representatives of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, consuls general in Jeddah, officials from the organization's General Secretariat, as well as experts and researchers.

In his speech, Ambassador Mustafa conveyed the greetings of the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and expressed gratitude to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for organizing this symposium, which "embodies the depth of collective commitment towards Palestine."

Ambassador Mustafa reviewed the escalating challenges facing the Palestinian cause, focusing on the "unprecedented" humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip, which included thousands of martyrs and wounded, the displacement of most residents, and the collapse of health and service infrastructure. He described this war as "inflicting deep wounds on the Arab and Islamic conscience and a blatant moral challenge to the international community."

Ambassador Faed emphasized that the current suffering is not the result of natural disasters but is the outcome of "systematic policies that contradict the most basic principles of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions," necessitating urgent international intervention.

He also addressed the systematic Israeli attacks on Jerusalem, especially around the Al-Aqsa Mosque, noting that what is happening is an "official policy aimed at changing the demographic character of the city and imposing new realities."

In this context, he warned against the continued settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, which represents "the greatest obstacle to achieving the two-state solution," and criticized the policy of imposing checkpoints and "stealing the Palestinian people's funds" aimed at undermining the Palestinian Authority.

Ambassador Faed Mustafa announced that the Arab League is cooperating with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and all brotherly and friendly countries in exerting intensive political, diplomatic, and legal efforts. He identified a primary goal: "working towards establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital."

He stressed the Arab League's support for international legal pathways, stating: "Documenting Israeli crimes and violations and following up on them is not only a human rights act but a legal and moral duty."

He confirmed the League's support for work at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, calling for international cooperation in documenting evidence.

Despite the difficult situation, Dr. Mustafa pointed to "promising prospects that can be built upon if political will and international support are available," urging the investment of "the positive global shift in public opinion towards Palestine" through supporting solidarity campaigns and enhancing rights-based and legal discourse.

He also emphasized the necessity of developing "a comprehensive vision for the reconstruction of Gaza" and sustainable development programs, considering that "realizing Palestinian national unity" is a fundamental approach to confronting challenges, through supporting Palestinian dialogue leading to genuine reconciliation.

The symposium also included speeches by Hussein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation; Dr. Ahmed Abu Holi, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and head of the Refugee Affairs Department; Ambassador Dr. Omar Awadallah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine for Political Affairs; Hani Al-Kashef, Deputy Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation; as well as Dr. Issa Manasra, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Al-Quds University; and Mohamed Hadia, legal expert on Jerusalem affairs.