Nabil Fahmy warns Middle East faces heightened regional tensions
CAIRO: Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy has called on US President Donald Trump to restrain Israeli policies toward the Palestinians, warning that the Middle East is approaching what he described as “a moment of explosion.”
In a statement issued ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Tuesday, Fahmy said the region was entering an increasingly dangerous phase.
He warned that escalating tensions, combined with the continued deadlock over the Palestinian issue, risked destabilising the wider Middle East. Fahmy also referred to what he described as growing brinkmanship linked to the Gulf crisis, saying the situation required urgent diplomatic efforts.
While stressing that all parties share responsibility for preserving regional peace and stability, Fahmy said the United States carries particular influence in helping prevent further escalation.
Appeal to support peace efforts
Fahmy urged Trump to restrain what he described as the Israeli government’s “extremist ambitions,” which he said threatened efforts to advance the peace initiative discussed in Sharm El-Sheikh.
He referred to the US president’s 20-point Gaza proposal announced in September 2025, which includes a ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, a phased Israeli military withdrawal, the establishment of a transitional Palestinian administration and a programme for Gaza’s reconstruction.
In addition, Fahmy called on Washington to help halt what he described as repeated Israeli violations in occupied East Jerusalem and military actions in the occupied West Bank.
Call for renewed diplomacy
The Arab League chief also accused the Israeli government of pursuing policies aimed at expanding settlements and displacing Palestinians, allegations that Israel has disputed in similar contexts.
Furthermore, Fahmy urged a swift return to previous understandings between the United States and Iran and called for renewed negotiations to reduce regional tensions.
He said diplomatic engagement should focus on ending the conflict, restoring regional stability, respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring countries and ensuring the safe reopening of key maritime routes through the Gulf and the Red Sea.
The statement comes as regional leaders continue to monitor developments ahead of the planned meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, which is expected to include discussions on Gaza, broader regional security and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
