BAGHDAD, 17th May, 2025 (WAM) -- The final communiqué of the 34th Arab Summit, held in Baghdad, reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the Arab world’s full support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to freedom, self-determination, the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the right of return and compensation for refugees and displaced persons.
The summit, through its “Baghdad Declaration”, called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and all hostile actions that exacerbate the suffering of innocent civilians. It urged the international community to take action to stop the bloodshed and ensure the unimpeded delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to all areas in need across Gaza.
The communiqué firmly rejected any form of forced displacement or relocation of Palestinians under any pretext or circumstance, deeming such actions a gross violation of international law and humanitarian principles, a crime against humanity, and an act of ethnic cleansing. It also condemned starvation tactics and scorched-earth policies aimed at displacing Palestinians from their land.
Leaders called on all states to provide political, financial and legal support for the Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan adopted during the emergency Arab summit in Cairo and the OIC meeting in Jeddah last March. They urged swift financial contributions from states and international institutions to implement the plan, which is part of a political pathway leading to the realisation of Palestinian statehood and the prevention of displacement.
The declaration stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to open all crossings for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories and to empower UN agencies—particularly UNRWA—to operate fully and receive international support to resume their duties.
Reiterating the call for a just and comprehensive political settlement, the summit affirmed the two-state solution as the only viable path forward, including the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital and full UN membership. It also called for the deployment of international UN peacekeeping forces in the occupied Palestinian territories until the two-state solution is implemented.
The summit urged all Palestinian factions to agree on a unified national vision and strategic project to realise the aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood and rights. It voiced support for the legitimate Palestinian government in pursuing these goals.
The declaration highlighted the sanctity of occupied Jerusalem and condemned all Israeli attempts to Judaise the city, alter its Arab, Islamic and Christian identity, and undermine the historical and legal status of its holy sites. It also affirmed support for the Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy places in Jerusalem, and for protecting the religious and cultural identity of Bethlehem.
Arab leaders expressed full support for South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing the occupying power of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The summit reiterated its support for the UAE’s sovereignty over the three islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—occupied by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and called on Iran to respond positively to the UAE’s peaceful resolution initiative, through direct negotiations or the International Court of Justice.
Regarding Syria, the summit emphasised support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, condemned ongoing Israeli attacks, and called for an inclusive political process to safeguard Syria’s societal cohesion and religious diversity. It welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump to lift sanctions on Syria.
On Lebanon, the summit reaffirmed its support for the country's unity and stability, condemned Israeli violations, and demanded full, unconditional Israeli withdrawal to internationally recognised borders. It supported Lebanon’s efforts to return displaced Syrians and demanded the release of prisoners from the last conflict.
For Yemen, the summit reaffirmed solidarity with its sovereignty and unity, supporting efforts to end the war through dialogue and secure long-term stability while rejecting external interference.
On Sudan, the declaration called for a political solution that preserves the country’s sovereignty and unity and allows safe humanitarian access.
The summit reaffirmed support for Libya’s sovereignty, independence, and unity, urging a political solution and the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries within a set timeframe. It called on the Libyan House of Representatives and High Council of State to expedite agreement on electoral laws to enable simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections.
Regarding Somalia, the summit expressed full support for the Federal Republic of Somalia’s unity and efforts to strengthen stability. It condemned the assassination attempt on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and all forms of terrorism.
On joint Arab action, the declaration called for the creation of a nuclear and weapons of mass destruction-free zone in the Middle East, urging all parties to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
It affirmed that water security is a pillar of Arab national security, supporting the efforts of Iraq, Egypt, Sudan, and Syria to secure their legitimate water rights.
Arab leaders underscored the need to enhance collective Arab capacity to address current development challenges—especially food, health, energy, and climate change—and to institutionalise Arab cooperation mechanisms.
The communiqué firmly condemned all forms of terrorism, particularly acts carried out by Daesh, Al-Qaeda, and their affiliates, as well as organised crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering.
The summit stressed that the persistence of terrorism poses a grave threat to societal peace and regional stability, requiring a unified military and civilian response, strengthened cooperation, and support for Arab counterterrorism agencies.
It also called for effective measures to counter hate speech, extremism, and incitement, in line with Arab League and UN Security Council resolutions, and urged all countries to prevent extremist funding, planning, recruitment, and the movement of foreign fighters, and to fully expel them from the region.
The summit highlighted the importance of enhancing Arab cybersecurity cooperation to protect digital infrastructure and develop unified strategies for a safe, supportive digital space.
It welcomed continued US-Iran nuclear talks aimed at peaceful nuclear energy use and ensuring uranium enrichment remains within civilian limits.
Finally, the declaration reaffirmed Arab states’ commitment to close cooperation with the United Nations and its agencies, upholding the UN Charter and international law to safeguard peace and security. It voiced support for the UN’s global efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, combat climate change, protect the environment and human rights, and promote renewable energy and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.