Zaki told ON TV Channel that Egypt is keen on ensuring the presence of the maximum number of leaders to guarantee the summit’s success, stressing that any potential delay would be purely for logistical reasons.
Unified Arab stance on Palestinian cause
Zaki explained that the Cairo summit aims to formulate a strong and unified Arab stance on the Palestinian cause, particularly in response to the displacement proposal by Israel and later the US administration.
He clarified that Egypt’s proposal would be a key focus of the summit discussions. It offers ideas for reconstructing Gaza to create job opportunities without forcing residents to leave the strip.
Zaki also emphasized that the summit's main objective is to support the Palestinian people and strengthen their resilience. An official document reflecting this position will be issued.
Upcoming 5-nation summit in Riyadh
The five-nation Arab summit is set to take place in Riyadh before the Cairo emergency summit.
Zaki revealed that the participating countries, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, have been closely coordinating their efforts through regular meetings since the start of the Gaza war.
He noted that the Arab League was not officially invited to previous meetings of the five-nation summit but is always informed of key developments.
Furthermore, he suggested that Palestine could be invited to the upcoming Riyadh summit, which may lead to an agreed-upon framework for a broader Arab stance to be presented later at the Arab League.
Arab response to Trump's proposal
Moreover, Zaki stressed that the Arab position regarding US President Donald Trump’s displacement proposal for Gaza will become clearer once official discussions with the US take place.
He affirmed that the fundamental principle is to respect the Palestinian people's will and their right to self-determination.
In addition, Zaki highlighted concerns about whether the US plan aims to displace the Gaza population forcibly or serves as a negotiation tool for accelerating the future governance of the strip.
He reiterated the full Palestinian rejection of all Israeli-imposed options, including Israeli control over Gaza, the appointment of an external governing body, or mass displacement.
He also reaffirmed that the only acceptable solution for Palestinians is to govern themselves until a comprehensive settlement is reached.
Empowering Palestinian Authority (PA)
The AL assistant secretary-general highlighted the Palestinian Authority's dire financial situation due to Israeli occupation, which has hindered its ability to perform basic security and governance functions.
He also stressed the urgent need for political and security support from Arab and international parties to strengthen the PA and enable it to carry out its role.
Zaki stated that the Arab stance is rooted in supporting whatever the Palestinians themselves accept, with Arab nations working to ease their suffering through greater engagement and internal flexibility.
He also highlighted that recent statements by Hamas declaring their readiness to relinquish Gaza control could pave the way for a more stable phase and help facilitate Arab proposals, ensuring that US initiatives are not the only options on the table.
Israel's hindrance of humanitarian aid
Additionally, Zaki condemned the Israeli-imposed restrictions slowing the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza as unacceptable and contradicting legal and ethical obligations.
He also criticized Israel's stalling of the agreed-upon phases' implementation, clear in its reluctance to move to the second phase, which goes beyond captive-prisoner exchanges.
He further warned that this Israeli intransigence could lead to resuming the war at a time when Gaza people are struggling to restore their normal lives.
On Saturday, Zaki announced the Arab League’s pledge of $400,000 in humanitarian aid for Gaza during a tour in Arish City in North Sinai, where Gaza relief supplies are received and sorted.
Egypt, Jordan, and the Arab League have repeatedly reaffirmed their full rejection of the US-Israeli displacement proposals aimed at the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.
In tandem, Egypt is set to announce a comprehensive plan for immediately rebuilding Gaza without displacing its native population.
Cairo has also reaffirmed its commitment to help Palestinians establish an independent Palestinian state based on the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as part of a two-state solution.
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