(VOVWORLD) - The head of the Arab League (AL) said on Saturday that a stage of comprehensive and normal Arab-Israeli peace relations can only be achieved when the Palestinian people gain their freedom and independence.
AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said that the Palestinian cause is a matter of consensus among all Arab states and ending Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is a central goal of all Arab countries "without exception."
A true, lasting, just and comprehensive peace with all its elements remains a strategic option for Arab countries, said Aboul-Gheit.
His remarks came several days after the United Arab Emirates reached a US-brokered agreement with Israel on normalizing ties between the 2 countries.
Although welcomed by some Arab states, the deal was rejected by the Palestinians.