Arab leaders toughen denunciations of Israel as it ramps up Gaza bombing

Arab leaders gathered in Baghdad on Saturday demanded an immediate end to the war in Gaza, accusing Israel of pursuing the systematic displacement of Palestinians and intensifying its bombing campaign in recent days.

In some of the sharpest language used so far, Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi labeled Israel’s actions “systematic crimes” designed to “obliterate and annihilate” Palestinians and “end their existence in the Gaza Strip.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, hosting the summit, described Israel’s military campaign as “genocide,” echoing growing global concern over the humanitarian toll.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the summit, reiterated that “nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”

Israel’s renewed assault followed the collapse of a six-week ceasefire in March and has included a total blockade of the enclave.

Israel says its goal is to destroy Hamas’ military and political capabilities following the group’s October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages.

Since Thursday, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes, in what officials called one of the deadliest escalations since the truce ended.

Gaza health authorities say more than 53,000 people have died during the conflict, with nearly all 2.3 million residents displaced.

U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a regional tour on Friday amid mounting calls for restraint. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher urged the Security Council this week to take action “to prevent genocide.”

Al-Sudani also announced a new reconstruction fund, pledging $20 million each to Gaza and Lebanon, where Israeli strikes last year left widespread destruction.