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As Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, Somalia has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Palestine at the recent Extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre joined Arab leaders in rejecting displacement proposals and backing a $53 billion reconstruction plan aimed at rebuilding Gaza’s war-torn infrastructure.
The summit, held amid growing international pressure, saw Arab nations endorse Egypt’s ambitious initiative to restore Gaza while ensuring that nearly two million Palestinians remain in their homeland. Leaders at the summit firmly opposed any forced displacement, including a U.S.-backed proposal to relocate Gazans outside their territory. The Arab League also rejected a controversial idea previously suggested by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which proposed turning Gaza into a controlled territory. Instead, the summit emphasized that Palestinians must remain on their land with full sovereignty.
Somalia’s Prime Minister Barre condemned Israel’s recent remarks regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians, calling such actions violations of international law and fundamental human rights. He underscored Somalia’s strong support for Palestinian sovereignty and the right to self-determination.
“The Federal Government of Somalia stands firmly with our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their just struggle for sovereignty and self-determination,” Barre said, commending their resilience in the face of ongoing hardships.
A key focus of the summit was Gaza’s future governance. Arab leaders proposed a technocratic administration under the Palestinian Authority to oversee reconstruction efforts, ensuring that the post-war recovery process remains effective and transparent. A dedicated committee was established to oversee the implementation of the reconstruction plan.
Beyond the Palestinian crisis, the summit also addressed ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Syria. Prime Minister Barre reiterated Somalia’s commitment to upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity in both nations, urging all parties involved to prioritize peaceful dialogue and resist foreign interference.
Somalia also used the summit as an opportunity to strengthen its ties with Arab nations, with Barre expressing gratitude for their continued support in Somalia’s security and humanitarian relief efforts. He encouraged Arab investors to explore Somalia’s economic sectors, including agriculture, livestock, and energy, highlighting the country’s potential for sustainable growth.
International reactions to the summit’s resolutions varied. The United Nations, through Secretary-General António Guterres, expressed full support for the Arab-led reconstruction plan and pledged cooperation in its execution. Meanwhile, Israel dismissed the initiative, arguing that it failed to address security concerns following Hamas’ attacks. Hamas, however, 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, reinforcing support for Palestinian sovereignty and rejecting forced displacement efforts. As Gaza continues to face immense humanitarian challenges, the Arab League’s stance underscores the region’s determination to support Palestinian rights and rebuild the territory’s future.