BAGHDAD, 17th May, 2025 (WAM) -- The Baghdad Declaration, issued at the conclusion of the 34th Arab Summit, called for an immediate halt to the war in Gaza and an end to all hostilities against civilians, firmly rejecting any forced displacement of the Palestinian people.

Arab leaders reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. They underscored the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the urgent need to provide humanitarian aid, support the Arab-Islamic reconstruction initiative, establish a special fund for the reconstruction of Gaza, and provide care for orphans and the wounded.

The declaration also rejected all attempts to Judaise Jerusalem and strongly condemned all illegal practices carried out by Israel as the occupying power, which violate the Palestinian people's rights to freedom, dignity and life, in clear defiance of international law and universal values.

The declaration reaffirmed support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab countries experiencing crises, calling for political solutions, inclusive national dialogue, and an end to foreign interference.

It also reiterated full support for the United Arab Emirates' sovereignty over its three islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, which are occupied by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The declaration urged Iran to respond positively to the UAE's initiative to resolve the issue peacefully, either through direct bilateral negotiations or by resorting to the International Court of Justice, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, in a manner that fosters trust and strengthens security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region.

On development, the declaration adopted strategic initiatives focused on food security, artificial intelligence, women's empowerment, technical education, and renewable energy, alongside enhanced Arab cooperation to confront regional and global challenges.

On security, the declaration reaffirmed the rejection of all forms of terrorism and the need to counter hate speech and extremism. It welcomed the establishment of Iraq's National Centre for Counter-Terrorism.

The declaration also voiced support for the ongoing nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, commending Oman's role in facilitating the discussions. It further called for the removal of weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East.