His Excellency Mr. Jamal Muhammad Fakhro, First Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, delivered a speech by the Arab Parliamentary Group in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Boughali, President of the Arab Parliamentary Union and Chairman of the Arab Group, at the conclusion of the work of the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, in the city of Geneva in the Swiss Confederation.
Mr. Jamal Fakhro stressed that this session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union represented an important opportunity to renew the common commitment to the principles of international law, justice and humanity, at a time when the world is witnessing profound transformations and intertwined challenges.
He added, “From this platform, we cannot help but reflect on the horrific tragedies that the Gaza Strip witnessed during the past years, as the war left behind widespread destruction and unprecedented human suffering that affected innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.”
Fakhro said: “Today, as we follow the cessation of military operations, we emphasize that the ceasefire does not mean the end of suffering, as the material, psychological and humanitarian effects of the war will continue to bear witness to the extent of the pain suffered by the steadfast Palestinian people,” noting that “what has been achieved in terms of a ceasefire is only a partial and limited step on a long road, as true and lasting peace can only be achieved by finding a final and just solution.” For the Palestinian cause, in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy, and in a way that ensures that the Palestinian people are enabled to exercise their legitimate and inalienable rights, foremost of which is their right to self-determination and to establish their independent state on their land, with Holy Jerusalem as its capital.”
He continued: “From this international platform, we sound the alarm, and confirm that the risk of famine and malnutrition and their consequences still exists in the Gaza Strip, despite the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement, and that the limited quantities of goods and aid that were allowed to enter the Strip represent only a small portion of the actual needs, and are not sufficient to fill the deep gap in the food and supply deficit imposed by this entity.” Deliberately as an instrument of genocide during two years of military aggression and comprehensive blockade of the Gaza Strip.”
He stated, “The Arab Group renews its sincere call for collective and effective international parliamentary action that aims, first and as a matter of urgency, to open the door wide for humanitarian aid, which must be provided in accordance with the principle of neutrality and pure humanitarian need, without discrimination, delay, or selectivity, especially since its subjection to any restrictions or political negotiation turns it from a means of rescue into a tool of destruction and displacement, and constitutes “An actual contribution to the continuation of crime.”
Fakhro noted that “the Arab Group calls for cooperation and effective contribution to a comprehensive reconstruction process that restores life to what was destroyed in the Gaza Strip, and to achieve international accountability for the crimes and violations committed against civilians,” indicating that “the Arab Group believes that national parliaments are called upon today more than ever before to invest in the environment of peace that is beginning to take shape, by launching constructive initiatives that establish a culture of dialogue.” It extinguishes the fuse of conflicts before they ignite, not only in the Middle East, but in all regions of the world.”
Fakhro added, “We in the Arab Group extend our hands to every sincere initiative that seeks to consolidate just peace, end the cycle of wars and conflicts, and support the path of restoring stability and development in all regions of the world.”
Fakhro explained that “recent events have proven that parliamentary diplomacy is not a political luxury, but rather a humanitarian and moral necessity, enabling parliaments to be the voice of the people in the face of wars, discrimination and occupation,” stressing that the Arab Group will continue to work side by side with the Inter-Parliamentary Union and all other geopolitical groups, in order to enhance the role of parliaments in building a more stable, just and humane world.
Mr. Fakhro, on behalf of the Chairman of the Arab Group, extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Presidency of the Union, the General Secretariat of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and all participating delegations, for the spirit of cooperation and constructive dialogue they showed, looking forward to the outcomes of this General Assembly being a new step in a long path towards a world free of wars, occupation, and suffering, dominated by hope, dignity, and justice.
