It seems Gaza gives a good reason to Arabs to get together and discuss something. While Donald Trump toured the Middle East and fetched billion-dollar arms deals, the Arab League kept on acting as a bystander. Finally, it broke their silence in Baghdad. Their silence during Trump’s visit showed how weak and slow the Arab response has been to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. The Arab League meeting came just as Israel expanded its deadly military offensive in Gaza. The leaders called for a ceasefire and more humanitarian aid, but their words came late, and their actions were small. Despite strong statements rejecting the forced displacement of Palestinians and the so-called “Riviera plan” proposed by Trump, no clear action was agreed to stop the killings. The summit’s final message was to ask the international community to press Israel for peace and to fund Gaza’s rebuilding. But asking others to act will not help if Arab countries themselves remain divided and passive. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and UN Chief Antonio Guterres both spoke stronger than many Arab leaders. Sanchez called for legal action through the International Court of Justice. Guterres said the Israeli siege and starvation of Gaza made “a mockery of international law.” Meanwhile, Iraq pledged $20 million for Gaza’s reconstruction, a rare concrete promise in a summit full of speeches. Iraq also suggested lifting sanctions on Syria to help rebuild after years of war, which was welcomed by other Arab states. However, the Arab League remains far from united. Some countries sent only ministers instead of heads of state. Syria’s new leadership, after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, was not welcomed by all. This division weakens any real effort to help Gaza. The reality is hard to ignore: while Palestinians die under bombs and blockade, their Arab brothers issue statements and hold meetings. The world sees this. The people of Gaza feel this. Stronger steps are needed. *