On this day, 19 August, the world marks World Humanitarian Day, which this year is held under the slogan "For Humanity." I extend my gratitude and appreciation to all those working in humanitarian organisations across the Arab region and around the world. They dedicate their lives to serving humanity and protecting the innocent, including children and the elderly, during crises, disasters, and armed conflicts. They work tirelessly to alleviate suffering and save the lives of those in need, carrying the noble message of humanity that reflects the values we hold dear in our Arab homeland. They continue to fulfil their humanitarian duty despite the challenges and dangers they face.
Amid one of the most horrific humanitarian catastrophes of our time, Gaza continues to bleed with pain, hunger, destruction, and a severe shortage of medicine, water, and food due to the suffocating blockade and starvation policy imposed by Israel, the occupying power, on more than two million Palestinians, while the international community remains silent. With each passing day, famine deepens amid the ongoing war of genocide waged by Israel, the destruction of infrastructure, the collapse of every aspect of life in the Gaza Strip, and the forced displacement of innocent people from their land.
Today, I once again call upon the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and to act urgently to end wars and conflicts across the globe, to save what remains of Gaza's humanity, to protect defenseless civilians, and to ensure the immediate delivery of relief and humanitarian assistance without restrictions or obstacles. Gaza must weigh heavily on the conscience of the world, for humanitarian action is incomplete without standing with Gaza—through support, relief, and advocacy by every possible means.
The League of Arab States, while expressing its full solidarity with Arab peoples enduring humanitarian crises, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the most vulnerable groups through its specialised ministerial councils, which continuously work to address the needs of Arab countries facing crises, disasters, and conflicts. We also value every noble humanitarian effort undertaken by Arab countries in the service of humanity.
We reaffirm our respect for the rules of international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians, as well as the protection of humanitarian workers from any attack or targeting, and the provision of a safe environment that enables them to carry out their noble mission.
In conclusion, we pray to God to grant us success in serving humanity, to bless our region and the world with security and peace, and to spare our peoples the scourge of conflict and disaster.
