Arab Economy Ministers Call for Unified Efforts to Halt Aggression on Gaza and Bolster Palestinian Economy

Cairo: Arab ministers of economy and trade have urged Arab states to maintain efforts to stop Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and counter settler attacks against Palestinians, which include the destruction of homes, farms, property, and economic facilities. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, this call was part of the resolutions issued by the Arab Economic and Social Council during its 117th ordinary session. The session was held at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo, chaired by Algeria, and attended by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. The Palestinian delegation was led by Palestine's permanent representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Muhannad Al-Aklouk, along with senior advisers and members of the Palestinian mission. The council emphasized the importance of supporting Palestinian Airlines by funding the maintenance of its only aircraft to maintain its operating license and its status as the national carrier flying the Palestinian fl ag. Additionally, the council highlighted the need to support Palestinian initiatives to implement the e-commerce law. This support aligns with the Arab League's historic role in development sectors impacting Palestinian citizens' lives, based on identified Palestinian needs. Arab economy ministers emphasized the necessity of developing implementation mechanisms and creating Arab and international programs to strengthen Palestinian institutional capacities in regulating e-commerce. These efforts aim to expand access to external markets, support small and medium-sized enterprises, promote digital entrepreneurship, generate job opportunities amid high unemployment, and protect Palestinian consumers while enhancing trust in digital transactions. In his address, Ahmed Aboul Gheit highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with over two million people living in inadequate shelters lacking essential health and living services. Despite a ceasefire, the occupation continues targeting Palestinians, resul ting in the deaths of approximately 500 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including women and children, since October. Addressing these humanitarian issues remains a top priority for ongoing social and development efforts. Ambassador Al-Aklouk stressed that a serious path toward peace or development cannot be achieved without ensuring Palestinian trade freedom, regular financial resources, adherence to agreements, and ending the economy's use as an occupation tool. He called for Arab states to transition from political solidarity to practical economic partnerships that prioritize Palestinian development and foster a resilient national economy uniting Gaza and the West Bank, with Jerusalem as the capital.