• The 34th Arab League Summit commenced in Baghdad, focusing primarily on the ongoing war in Gaza.
• Leaders emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid delivery and condemned Israel's military actions.
• Arab nations pledged financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction and called for an immediate ceasefire.
• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized the Israeli offensive, calling for international pressure to halt the violence.
• The summit marks Iraq's first hosting since 2012, reinforcing its role in regional diplomacy.

The 34th Arab League Summit began in Baghdad, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a top priority, with discussions dominated by Israel's military operations. Over 53,000 Palestinians have reportedly died amid the conflict which has escalated since October 7, 2023, creating widespread devastation in the region, according to TRTGlobal, Los Angeles Times, and AA.

During the summit, Arab leaders condemned the violence and collectively called for an urgent and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The final statement from the summit urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel and provide support for Gaza’s reconstruction efforts, as noted by AA and Los Angeles Times.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized that “Palestine is bleeding before our eyes” and called for increased international efforts to halt what he termed a massacre in Gaza. His comments resonate with demands shared by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and condemned the forced displacement of Palestinians, according to Dawn and India Times.

Leaders at the summit reiterated their commitment to a reconstruction plan for Gaza and pledged financial contributions, with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani promising $20 million for Gaza’s recovery and an equal amount for Lebanon. These initiatives aim to support the territory’s rehabilitation without the displacement of its residents following the recent violence, according to Middle East Eye and India Times.

The summit also touched upon the need for collective Arab security and the ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region, including negotiations surrounding Iran and Syria. There were particular sensitivities around the absence of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who faced opposition due to his controversial past, reflecting the prevailing political tensions within Arab relations, as reported by Middle East Eye and AA.