Held in Baghdad in May 2025, the 34th Arab League Summit has been recorded as one of the most critical regional gatherings in recent years. As the host country, Iraq conveyed strong messages at both organizational and political levels, and the summit’s historical depth was further amplified by its focus on the Palestinian issue. Statements made by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani reflect an emerging vision of renewed Arab solidarity.[i]
Iraq’s approach to the summit demonstrated not only its role as host but also its ambition to re-establish itself as a diplomatic hub in the Arab world. Particularly notable were the 18-point regional reconstruction initiative and aid pledges to Palestine, both of which indicate Iraq’s intention to enhance its regional influence not just rhetorically but through concrete actions.[ii] Should this tendency continue, Iraq is likely to collaborate more actively with countries such as Jordan, Egypt, and Algeria to establish a new Arab initiative. Within this framework, the Palestinian issue is expected to serve as both the common foundation and source of legitimacy.
Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 have triggered widespread outrage in Arab public opinion.[iii] The Arab League’s strong condemnation of these actions reflects a level of determination not commonly seen in prior years. This rhetorical firmness could manifest in two ways: Arab states may either develop joint diplomatic pressure mechanisms and assume more active roles in international institutions such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, or the rhetoric may gradually lose momentum and return to a symbolic level. Should the former scenario materialize, it could mark a paradigm shift in regional diplomacy.
If implemented through concrete steps, Iraq’s proposed Arab Reconstruction Fund could pave the way for a new model of “Arab developmentalism” not only in Palestine but also in crisis-affected countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. For this to succeed, Gulf states would need to redirect their current development funds from unilateral aid channels to multilateral platforms. The extent of involvement by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will be decisive in determining the fund’s effectiveness. However, if these countries display reluctance in supporting the fund, intra-regional divisions may once again become visible.
Another frequently emphasized theme of the summit was the “common stance against foreign interference in Arab internal affairs.” This rhetoric may be interpreted as a veiled message against Iran’s regional influence, while also signaling a collective response to the West’s stance on the Palestinian issue.[iv] In the coming period, the Arab League may seek to assert stronger principles concerning Arab internal peace and political integrity. This could herald new diplomatic initiatives in countries such as Libya, Lebanon, and Sudan, where non-state actors wield significant influence.
The re-emergence of the Palestinian cause as a primary agenda item at the Arab summit could contribute to reshaping international pressure on Israel. Especially in light of the rise of pro-Palestinian social movements in the United States following the 2024 elections, this renewed discourse of unity within the Arab world may restrict Israel’s room for maneuver. In this context, it is conceivable that by autumn 2025, the Arab League may propose joint sanctions or diplomatic isolation measures against Israel. However, the feasibility of such actions remains debatable due to the internal political divergences among member states.
Another pressing issue raised at the summit was how this assertive message on Palestine would affect countries currently engaged in normalization processes with Israel. While countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco continue to express support for Palestine, their simultaneous maintenance of economic ties with Israel may be perceived by Arab publics as hypocritical. This perception could fuel grassroots opposition movements within those states.
Beyond the pledged $20 million in aid for Gaza, the summit underscored the necessity for the Arab world to adopt a long-term approach to reconstruction. In this regard, technical consultations may begin for the establishment of a “Regional Development Council” between the Palestinian Authority and Arab countries. Such a structure would not only ensure humanitarian aid but also foster integration in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, digital transformation, and education—thereby contributing to the state-building process in Palestine.[v]
Through the initiatives it presented at the 34th Summit, Iraq has signaled the possibility of a new era in the Arab world grounded not solely in security concerns but also in institutional cooperation. Should this summit mark a transition from rhetoric to action, the Arab League may evolve from a platform of discourse into a functional regional actor. However, if inaction persists, the declarations made at the summit will remain mere symbolic gestures aimed at public morale.
In conclusion, the fact that the 34th Arab League Summit took place in Baghdad and centered on the Palestinian issue may indicate the awakening of a new political consciousness in the Arab world. In the period ahead, it is conceivable that Arab states will enhance diplomatic coordination, seek joint action on the Palestinian question, and develop institutional cooperation around regional reconstruction funds. For such a scenario to unfold, however, intra-member conflicts of interest must be minimized and the expectations of Arab populations more directly represented.
[i] “Gaza likely to dominate agenda as Arab League meets in Baghdad”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/17/gaza-likely-to-dominate-agenda-as-arab-league-meets-in-baghdad, (Access Date: 20.05.2025).
[ii] “Sudani pledges $20 million in aid to Gaza and Lebanon at Arab League summit”, The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-854389, (Access Date: 20.05.2025).
[iii] “Arab leaders toughen denunciations of Israel as it ramps up Gaza bombing”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/arab-leaders-toughen-denunciations-israel-it-ramps-up-gaza-bombing-2025-05-17/, (Access Date: 20.05.2025).
[iv] “34th Arab Summit rejects displacement of Palestinian people”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, https://www.fm.gov.om/34th-arab-summit-rejects-displacement-of-palestinian-people/, (Access Date: 20.05.2025).
[v] “Leaders at Arab League summit push for Gaza ceasefire, pledge reconstruction money”, The Times of Israel, https://www.timesofisrael.com/leaders-at-arab-league-summit-push-for-gaza-ceasefire-pledge-reconstruction-money/, (Access Date: 20.05.2025).
