Arab League chief urges Trump to restrain Israel, warns region nearing ‘explosion’

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy on Sunday called on US President Donald Trump to restrain the Israeli government’s policies toward the Palestinians, warning that the Middle East is approaching a “moment of explosion”.

In a statement issued ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, Fahmy said the region was moving toward “a very dangerous point” amid rising tensions on multiple fronts.

He attributed the situation to the prolonged deadlock over the Palestinian issue, as well as escalating tensions in the Gulf.

Fahmy’s remarks come amid continued regional instability, including disputes over the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, increased tensions in the occupied West Bank, US-Iran friction over the Strait of Hormuz, and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement.

The Arab League chief said all parties share responsibility for preserving regional security and stability, adding that the United States has a particular responsibility to help prevent further escalation.

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He urged President Trump to, in his words, “curb the extremist ambitions of the Israeli government,” which he said threaten efforts to advance the peace initiative agreed in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Fahmy also called on the United States to press Israel to halt what he described as repeated violations in Jerusalem and to stop attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

The peace initiative referenced by Fahmy is the Trump administration’s plan announced in September 2025, which includes a ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the establishment of a transitional Palestinian administration, and the reconstruction of the territory.

Hamas has said it fulfilled its obligations under the first phase of the agreement, including the release of Israeli hostages, while accusing Israel of failing to implement key commitments such as expanding humanitarian access, withdrawing from agreed areas, and reducing military operations. 

Fahmy further accused the Israeli government of pursuing policies aimed at expanding settlements and displacing Palestinians.

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