Arab League, Egypt Host 2nd of "Palestine and Role of Civil Society" Conference

​Under the auspices of the League of Arab States and the Ministry of Health and Population of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the second edition of the "Palestine and the Role of Civil Society Conference" was held under the theme "Rebuilding the Social Fabric of Gaza" on 23-24 February in Cairo. 

The conference was organized in collaboration between the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the Schaff Centre for Future Studies and Crisis and Conflict Analysis.

The event was attended by Ambassador Mohamed El-Orabi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Schaff Centre for Future Studies, alongside a number of ambassadors, permanent representatives to the League of Arab States, and foreign diplomats accredited to Cairo.

The conference also featured virtual participation from Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development of the State of Palestine; Dr. Majed Abu Ramadan, Minister of Health of the State of Palestine; Dr. Amjad Barham, Minister of Education and Higher Education of the State of Palestine; and Dr. Sharhabil Al-Zaim, Minister of Justice of the State of Palestine.

Additionally, a distinguished group of experts, representatives of international and regional organizations, Arab and Egyptian civil society institutions, and various media outlets contributed to the discussions.

In her address, Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, underscored the League of Arab States' commitment to advancing efforts for a just resolution of the Palestinian cause. 

She reaffirmed the League's unwavering support for the internationally recognized two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

She said that these principles, which enjoy broad Arab and international consensus, are non-negotiable, warning against any attempts to circumvent them. 

Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh further stressed that the Palestinian cause remains one of land and people, rejecting all efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians through annexation, settlement expansion, or any form of ethnic cleansing, which violate international law and aim to erase the Palestinian identity and liquidate their cause.

She highlighted the League's continued humanitarian efforts to alleviate the dire social, health, and humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly in light of the war crimes and atrocities committed against its people.

As part of these efforts, a high-level League of Arab States delegation visited the Rafah border crossing on 15 February 2025 to inspect the humanitarian aid delivery mechanism for Gaza.

 The delegation was led by Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development Affairs, Minister of Health and Population, and Chairman of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Health Ministers; and Dr. Maya Morsi, Minister of Social Solidarity and Chair of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Social Affairs Ministers. 

The visit reaffirmed the Arab world's unwavering support for the Palestinian people and sent a clear message of Arab solidarity with Gaza, urging international mobilization to respond to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the brutal Israeli aggression.

Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh reaffirmed that Gaza stands as a symbol of resilience and pride, where its people rise from destruction through reconstruction, defy displacement with steadfast determination, and confront the Israeli war machine with an unyielding will to live.

 She noted that their struggle will persist until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

For her part, Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Minister of State for Relief Affairs, highlighted the Palestinian government's efforts since the onset of the crisis to coordinate relief and humanitarian operations, ensuring that aid reaches affected families. 

She praised Egypt's pivotal role in supporting the Palestinian people, particularly by facilitating the entry of humanitarian and relief aid into Gaza. 

Dr. Hamad further explained that the government's emergency operations room has set an effective model for crisis response, working in close cooperation with international institutions to prioritise and efficiently direct aid based on actual needs.

She also underscored the critical role of civil society organizations in providing psychological support to children and women, pointing out that Palestinian women have demonstrated remarkable resilience, leading the return to their devastated communities in northern Gaza despite widespread destruction. Their determination to rebuild their lives and restore their local communities is a testament to their strength and perseverance.

Ambassador Mohamed El-Orabi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, stated that the conference aims to assess and analyse the current situation in Gaza while fostering innovative ideas that contribute to alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank.