Arab Leaders, UN Urge End to Gaza Violence Amid Humanitarian Crisis

Amid the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, calls for urgent action and international pressure have intensified. Layla Moran, a UK MP, criticized the UK government for its limited concrete measures despite stronger rhetoric condemning Israel's blockade and urged recognition of a Palestinian state to protect Palestinian rights. Hamas appealed to Arab leaders at the Arab League Summit in Baghdad to end Israeli aggression, lift the blockade, and impose sanctions on Israel, describing the situation as genocide. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez supported this stance, advocating for increased international pressure on Israel and proposing a UN resolution for the International Court of Justice to assess Israel's war tactics. Meanwhile, the UN's aid chief emphasized the need to expedite aid delivery through an existing plan rather than alternative proposals, highlighting the humanitarian urgency. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for halting the Israeli war, lifting the blockade, enabling Palestinian governance in Gaza, and beginning reconstruction efforts, reaffirming Gaza as part of Palestine and seeking broad international support.