Arab foreign ministers met in Cairo this week to discuss the clash between Israeli troops and terrorist activists on board a Turkish ship headed for Gaza in defiance of the Israeli blockade. The ministers decided to “break the Israeli siege imposed on Gaza.”
The blockade should be ended “in any legitimate way,” including “resistance,” the ministers said. “Resistance” is often used as a code word for violence or terrorism.
Israel has imposed a maritime blockade on Gaza since Operation Cast Lead 18 months ago, and allows only humanitarian goods into the area. Israeli leaders have repeatedly said that they are willing to lift the blockade as soon as Hamas renounces terrorism and recognizes Israel.
The Arab League ministers also determined that they would demand a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the incident. The UN's Human Rights council has condemned Israel over the clash.
Syria's Arab League ambassador, Yussef Ahmed, urged league members to cancel normalization with Israel, and to close Israeli embassies in their countries.
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa threatened that Arab states may withdraw the Saudi Peace initiative - which Israel has not accepted. The initiative offers Israel normalized ties with the Arab world in return for giving the Palestinian Authority all land east of the 1949 armistice line, including historic Jerusalem, and to accept several million Arabs who claim descent from those who fled pre-state Israel – effectively making Israel an Arab state.
The offer “will not remain on the table for long,” Moussa said.
Syria, Qatar, and Kuwait wanted to withdraw the initiative immediately, a stance that caused a stir among those present, according to Lebanese media. Ministers also argued over whether or not to withdraw Arab League approval for Israel-PA negotiations.
The blockade should be ended “in any legitimate way,” including “resistance,” the ministers said. “Resistance” is often used as a code word for violence or terrorism.
Israel has imposed a maritime blockade on Gaza since Operation Cast Lead 18 months ago, and allows only humanitarian goods into the area. Israeli leaders have repeatedly said that they are willing to lift the blockade as soon as Hamas renounces terrorism and recognizes Israel.
The Arab League ministers also determined that they would demand a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the incident. The UN's Human Rights council has condemned Israel over the clash.
Syria's Arab League ambassador, Yussef Ahmed, urged league members to cancel normalization with Israel, and to close Israeli embassies in their countries.
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa threatened that Arab states may withdraw the Saudi Peace initiative - which Israel has not accepted. The initiative offers Israel normalized ties with the Arab world in return for giving the Palestinian Authority all land east of the 1949 armistice line, including historic Jerusalem, and to accept several million Arabs who claim descent from those who fled pre-state Israel – effectively making Israel an Arab state.
The offer “will not remain on the table for long,” Moussa said.
Syria, Qatar, and Kuwait wanted to withdraw the initiative immediately, a stance that caused a stir among those present, according to Lebanese media. Ministers also argued over whether or not to withdraw Arab League approval for Israel-PA negotiations.