Geneva, Oct. 23 (BNA): Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, delivered the statement of the Arab Parliamentary Group at the closing session of the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva. He spoke on behalf of Ibrahim Boughali, President of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union and Head of the Arab Group.

Fakhro said the session provided an important opportunity to renew the collective commitment to the principles of international law, justice, and humanity at a time when the world is witnessing profound change and complex challenges.

He drew attention to the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, which has suffered devastating wars and unprecedented humanitarian crises over recent years, claiming the lives of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.

While noting the cessation of military operations, Fakhro said that a ceasefire does not end the suffering, as the physical, psychological, and humanitarian consequences of war will remain a lasting reminder of the pain endured by the steadfast Palestinian people. He added that the ceasefire achieved is only a partial step on a long path, as genuine and lasting peace requires a just and final settlement of the Palestinian issue in line with international legitimacy, ensuring the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights, foremost among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

He warned that the threat of famine and malnutrition in Gaza remains, despite the ceasefire, as the limited quantities of goods and humanitarian aid permitted into the Strip represent only a fraction of actual needs and fail to close the deep food and supply gap caused by years of aggression and blockade.

Fakhro said the Arab Parliamentary Group renews its call for urgent, collective, and effective international parliamentary action to open unrestricted access for humanitarian assistance, which must be delivered based solely on neutrality and humanitarian need, without discrimination, delay, or political conditions. He stressed that any restriction or politicisation of aid turns it from a lifeline into a tool of destruction and displacement, contributing to the continuation of the crime.

He underlined the Arab Group’s call for cooperation and effective participation in comprehensive reconstruction efforts to restore life to what was destroyed in Gaza, as well as the need for international accountability for the crimes and violations committed against civilians.

Fakhro said the Arab Parliamentary Group believes that national parliaments are now more responsible than ever for building on emerging opportunities for peace through constructive initiatives that promote dialogue and prevent conflicts, not only in the Middle East but across the world.

He emphasised that the Arab Group extends its hand to all sincere initiatives aimed at consolidating just peace, ending wars and conflicts, and supporting efforts to restore stability and development globally.

Fakhro said recent events have demonstrated that parliamentary diplomacy is not a political luxury but a moral and humanitarian necessity that enables parliaments to serve as the voice of peoples against war, discrimination, and occupation.

He reiterated the Arab Parliamentary Group’s commitment to continue working alongside the IPU and all geopolitical groups to enhance the role of parliaments in building a world founded on peace, justice, and humanity.

In conclusion, Fakhro, on behalf of the President of the Arab Group, expressed appreciation to the IPU presidency, the secretariat, and all participating delegations for their spirit of cooperation and constructive dialogue. He said the Arab Group hopes the outcomes of the Assembly will mark another step toward a world free of war, occupation, and suffering, where hope, dignity, and justice prevail.

M.S.A, A.S, S.E