New Delhi:
Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Friday defended Arab states’ decision to back the US-led Board of Peace on Gaza, arguing that the initiative presents one of the few remaining opportunities to halt the fighting after repeated diplomatic efforts failed to secure a ceasefire.
Speaking at a public event hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs and moderated by former diplomat Talmiz Ahmad, Aboul Gheit outlined the Arab League’s broader regional stance, stressing that Gulf countries have consistently opposed military escalation and favoured diplomatic solutions.
Explaining the rationale behind Arab support for the Gaza initiative, Aboul Gheit pointed to past frustrations with Washington’s position under the previous US administration.
“We have had a president in Washington who admitted that he was a Zionist himself. He supported Israel directly as a Zionist,” he said.
Referring to former US President Joe Biden, Aboul Gheit noted that multiple international efforts had been blocked.
“Four times there were calls in the Security Council and draft resolutions presented calling for a ceasefire in Palestine, and the American administration at the time vetoed them all,” he added.
Why Arab States Backed the Gaza Peace Board
Despite scepticism surrounding the framework of the US-led Board of Peace, most Gulf Arab states endorsed the initiative last week during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Several European countries — including France, the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden — chose not to participate, expressing concern that the new body could undermine the authority of the United Nations.
Responding to those reservations, Aboul Gheit defended Arab participation, saying the US president’s direct involvement was a significant departure from past approaches.
“When I heard for the first time that the American president himself, in person, was committing himself to lead a council or a board to supervise a settlement, well, welcome!” he said.
Drawing a contrast between successive US administrations, he added:
“Between someone who was saying, ‘I am the strongest adviser and supporter to Israel, I am a Zionist’ and a president who says, ‘I am for peace and for the ending of the killing and ending the conflict’, if we are logical, we have to try.”
However, Aboul Gheit acknowledged unresolved issues around the initiative, including funding, governance, coordination with the United Nations and the absence of the Palestinian Authority from its executive committee.
“How the implementation will proceed remains to be seen,” he said.
Warning Against Military Action on Iran
Turning to regional security, Aboul Gheit issued a stark warning against any military action targeting Iran, saying it would have devastating consequences.
“If such an event happens, it will be negative for the region and for everyone else,” he said, adding, “It will be a disaster for the peace of the world.”
His remarks followed a question on US President Donald Trump’s announcement that a naval armada had been dispatched to the Gulf, sparking concerns about a possible confrontation with Tehran.
Placing the move in historical perspective, Aboul Gheit pointed out that the US Fifth Fleet has been stationed in Bahrain since 1995 and that American military presence in the region dates back to 1945.
“The presence of American troops in the Gulf, Bahrain, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean is not a new development,” he said, adding that what has changed is “the politics and policies” in Washington.
Expressing scepticism over recent US statements, the former Egyptian foreign minister remarked:
“I am not taken in by declarations of Americans.”
He added that Washington’s current approach appears driven by concerns over Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
On Palestine, Global Order and a New Cold War
Addressing Israel’s opposition to Palestinian statehood, Aboul Gheit said occupying powers historically resist political concessions.
“An occupying power will never tell you, ‘Yes, sir, you are permitted to do so,’” he said, drawing parallels with colonial rule.
He also warned of growing global instability, claiming the world is witnessing the emergence of a new Cold War and arguing that American global dominance is in decline.
“I claim that we are in the midst of a Cold War,” he said.
Reflecting on history, Aboul Gheit observed that major global orders often emerge only after conflict.
“There is no way for a new order to emerge without war,” he said, citing the formation of the United Nations after World War II.
Asked how the current turbulence might be resolved, he admitted uncertainty.
“In all honesty, I don’t know. The situation is very fluid.”
India-Arab Engagement and Diplomatic Meetings
Earlier in the day, Aboul Gheit met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. In a post on X, Jaishankar described the meeting as “warm” and said they exchanged views on recent regional developments.
Aboul Gheit also expressed optimism about India-Arab relations, praising India’s economic progress and highlighting the large Indian workforce across Gulf nations.
“The Arabs understand the potential of India,” he said, while noting that momentum in ties had slowed in recent years.
The Arab League chief is in New Delhi to attend the second Arab-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, being held today after a gap of ten years. He also inaugurated the Arab-Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday.