Wednesday 5,March 2025 {HMC} With Gaza facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre joined Arab leaders in Cairo to reinforce his nation’s unwavering support for Palestine. The summit, convened amid mounting international pressure, focused on rebuilding Gaza and countering proposals that could displace millions of Palestinians.
Arab leaders endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure and ensuring that nearly two million Palestinians remain in their homeland. The initiative was widely supported, with the summit rejecting external proposals, including a U.S.-backed plan to relocate Gazans outside the territory. Additionally, the Arab League firmly rejected a proposal from former U.S. President Donald Trump that sought to turn Gaza into a controlled territory, emphasizing that Palestinians must remain on their land.
Barre condemned Israel’s recent statements on the forced displacement of Palestinians, calling such actions violations of international law and human rights. He emphasized Somalia’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to an independent state.
“The Federal Government of Somalia stands firmly with our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their just struggle for sovereignty and self-determination,” Barre stated, commending their resilience amid ongoing hardships.
The summit also discussed Gaza’s future governance, with Arab leaders proposing a technocratic administration under the Palestinian Authority, excluding Hamas from direct control. A formal committee was established to oversee the reconstruction process and ensure effective governance during post-war recovery efforts.
Beyond the Palestinian issue, Barre addressed the conflicts in Sudan and Syria, reiterating Somalia’s commitment to upholding their sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue and avoid foreign interference.
Barre also thanked Arab nations for their continued support in strengthening Somalia’s security and humanitarian relief efforts. He encouraged Arab investors to explore Somalia’s agriculture, livestock, and energy sectors, spotlighting the country’s economic potential for sustainable growth.
Reactions to the summit’s decisions were mixed. The United Nations, through Secretary-General António Guterres, expressed full support for the Arab-led reconstruction plan and pledged cooperation in its implementation. Meanwhile, Israel dismissed the initiative, arguing that it failed to address security concerns following Hamas’ attacks. Hamas, on the other hand, welcomed the summit’s outcomes, viewing them as a step toward stronger Arab and Islamic backing for the Palestinian cause.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and advocacy for Palestinian sovereignty amid ongoing hostilities.
