Overview

• Arab League leaders convened in Baghdad, formally endorsing the $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan agreed upon during the March Cairo summit.
• The ongoing Gaza war, intensified by Israel's expanded offensive and Netanyahu's vow to destroy Hamas, dominated discussions at the summit.
• Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attended, while Syria was represented by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani after President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s exclusion.
• Iraq positioned itself as a mediator, navigating complex ties between the U.S. and Iran, with Quds Force commander Esmail Ghaani reportedly supporting nuclear negotiations.
• The summit reinforced Arab unity against President Trump’s controversial 'Riviera of the Middle East' plan for Gaza, emphasizing regional-led reconstruction efforts.