Cairo : Dalia Attia
The Arab Parliament convened on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continued to deepen, with civilian casualties rising and international concern growing.
Meeting amid an escalating regional conflict, lawmakers reviewed key developments across the Arab world, with Gaza dominating both the formal agenda and discussions on the sidelines.
Several members called for the parliament to move beyond statements of condemnation and adopt concrete measures in response to what they described as a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged enclave.
The session included the swearing-in of new members from Egypt, Iraq and Qatar, as well as internal elections.
Egyptian lawmaker Hisham Al-Hosary was elected Deputy Speaker following a closely contested public vote, reflecting differing views within the chamber at a critical juncture for the region.
In his address, Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause remains at the top of the parliament’s priorities.
He said any political process that fails to secure a full and lasting ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from Gaza cannot be considered credible, and condemned violations of international humanitarian law.
As winter conditions persist and the holy month of Ramadan approaches, concerns are growing that the humanitarian situation in Gaza will deteriorate further.
The session renewed calls for urgent international action to protect civilians, ensure unhindered humanitarian access and uphold international law, as the human cost of the conflict continues to rise.