In the wake of the first convoy of twenty trucks delivering humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, the relief effort remained woefully short of what the civilian population needed. A coordinated appeal from thirty countries and international organizations followed. Calls for a pause to avoid a humanitarian disaster were made during preparations for renewed talks, with hopes that opening political horizons might someday end the endless cycle of violence in the region. Arab nations stressed that no provocation had occurred and proposed that Israel would not forcibly move Palestinians from Gaza into the Egyptian Sinai. The summit revealed different perspectives between European and Arab leaders, and the absence of several key players, including some American and German delegates and Israeli representatives, left room for doubt about the summit’s chances of success.
The gathering occurred two weeks after the latest clashes began, the fiercest seen in decades and triggered by Hamas gunmen’s offensive last year on 7 October. In southern Israel, 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed in brutal conditions. Since then, Gaza’s residents have borne a heavy toll as Israel’s response intensified. The organizers of the summit, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, questioned whether the status quo could hold and urged a shift toward a roadmap that could unlock negotiations after a long pause. The possibility of Benjamin Netanyahu returning to power in Israel since 2009 was discussed as part of the broader context of the conflict. Humanitarian access to Gaza, a key objective, was linked to an immediate ceasefire and the start of talks based on a practical formula for two possible courses of action. Arab leaders condemned the killing of civilians and the ongoing bombing in Gaza and in Israel, criticizing what they described as collective punishment and a total siege. They also voiced concern about perceived double standards from Western nations in the current crisis.
West’s double standards
Across the Arab world, a clear message emerged: Palestinian lives are valued less than Israeli lives in public discourse and human rights discussions, a perception underscored by varying borders, conditions, and religious considerations, according to statements from regional leaders including Jordan’s King Abdullah II. Among the attendees was Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority leader who governs the West Bank and commands intense domestic controversy. He echoed warnings that Israel may pursue the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and insisted that Palestinians would not abandon their homeland, even as the region faces immense pressure.
Spain and Italy stood among the European participants with the highest level of engagement. Pedro Sánchez pressed for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, urging unhindered humanitarian access. He framed the summit as a first step toward restoring peace in the region, warning that the situation could deteriorate quickly if the international community failed to respond. The real danger, he noted, lay in the potential for territorial expansion with unforeseen consequences.
Other high-level participants, including European finance leaders and presidents, emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself within the boundaries of international law. They also highlighted the need to ensure that Hamas does not emerge as the victor in the broader conflict, while recognizing that lasting peace will depend on addressing the long-standing occupation and the broader regional dynamics. The United Nations Secretary-General called for an immediate ceasefire and urged that the crisis be resolved through diplomatic channels and lawful means.
Despite these calls, a lasting ceasefire remains elusive. The United States has taken a cautious approach, refraining from endorsing a firm ceasefire timeline while allowing space for diplomatic maneuvering, as Israel prepares its forces to operate in Gaza. The path ahead remains uncertain, with many questions about how, when, and under what conditions negotiations might resume, and what a durable resolution could look like for both sides.