Palestine welcomes African Union summit statement backing statehood

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the final communiqué of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, saying it reflects Africa’s support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

In a statement carried by the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), the ministry said the summit’s conclusions reinforced international calls to end the Israeli colonial occupation, achieve the independence of the State of Palestine and grant it full membership of the United Nations.

The ministry said the summit’s rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, along with warnings from African leaders about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing war, blockade and restrictions on aid, demonstrated a commitment to international law and a firm moral and political stance.

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According to the final statement, African leaders expressed concern over the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza, attributing them to the Israeli blockade and the impact of continued hostilities. They warned that restrictions on medical and relief supplies threaten the lives of civilians.

The summit also called for the State of Palestine to be granted full UN membership, describing this as a legitimate right consistent with the principle of self-determination.

The Palestinian foreign ministry reiterated its appreciation for the sincere African solidarity with the Palestinian cause and said the summit’s positions strengthen international efforts to achieve justice and peace, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

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