President Joseph Aoun reaffirms Lebanon’s commitment to Palestinian cause at Arab Summit

CAIRO — Participating in the Arab Summit held in Cairo to support Palestine, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s steadfast position on the Palestinian cause. The summit, convened as an extraordinary session, brought together leaders from across the Arab world to address the latest developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and to coordinate strategies for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

President Aoun emphasized the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause and underscored the importance of supporting the Palestinian people in their struggle for justice and the reclamation of their rights. His speech resonated with longstanding Lebanese solidarity with Palestine, a cause deeply rooted in the region’s history and intertwined with Lebanon’s own geopolitical challenges.

Reasserting Arab Dimension

In his address, Aoun highlighted the Arab dimension of the Palestinian issue, stressing the need for collective strength and unity among Arab nations to defend the cause effectively. This stance aligns with Lebanon’s historical commitment to pan-Arab solidarity, particularly on issues concerning Israel and Palestine.

Aoun called on Arab leaders to engage more robustly with international decision-making bodies to keep the Palestinian cause at the forefront of global priorities. He framed this as a critical step not only for the Palestinian people but also for preserving the dignity and sovereignty of Arab nations.

“There can be no peace without liberating the last inch of Lebanese borders, no peace without the establishment of a Palestinian state with its legitimate rights, and no peace without the full restoration of Palestinian people’s rights,” Aoun declared, linking Lebanon’s own territorial disputes with Israel to the broader Palestinian struggle.

Lebanon’s Role in Palestinian Cause

Lebanon’s commitment to the Palestinian cause is not only symbolic but also practical, given its hosting of one of the largest Palestinian refugee populations in the region. These refugees, who live in camps across Lebanon, face dire socio-economic conditions and limited rights, making the resolution of the Palestinian issue a critical concern for Lebanese stability.

By affirming Lebanon’s support, Aoun sought to strengthen ties with Arab nations and reinforce Lebanon’s role as a key player in Arab efforts to address the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. His remarks also signal a desire to maintain Lebanon’s relevance in the regional dialogue, particularly at a time when domestic political and economic crises have diminished its global standing.

Reconstruction of Gaza and Strategic Implications

The Cairo summit was convened amid heightened tensions in the Gaza Strip following repeated cycles of violence and destruction. Discussions focused on mobilizing resources for the reconstruction of Gaza and developing strategies to prevent future escalations.

Aoun’s participation reflects Lebanon’s broader alignment with Arab consensus on supporting the Palestinian people while addressing the humanitarian and political challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. His statements were consistent with Arab League efforts to present a united front in advocating for a two-state solution, the cessation of Israeli settlements, and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza.

Broader Call for Justice

Aoun’s remarks, particularly his call for the liberation of Lebanese territories and the full restoration of Palestinian rights, resonate with a broader regional sentiment of justice and sovereignty. His speech emphasized that peace in the region is contingent upon addressing these fundamental issues.

The summit concluded with a collective reaffirmation of Arab support for Palestine and plans to enhance international advocacy for the Palestinian cause. For Lebanon, Aoun’s participation underscored its commitment to the Palestinian struggle, even as it grapples with profound internal challenges.