Iraq proposes Arab reconstruction fund, pledges $40 million for Gaza and Lebanon

BAGHDAD — Iraq on Saturday proposed the creation of an Arab Fund for Recovery and Reconstruction to aid countries affected by war and crisis, as Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani pledged $40 million in aid to Gaza and Lebanon during the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad.

“We announce 18 ambitious initiatives to energize joint Arab action, led by the initiative to establish the Arab Fund for Recovery and Reconstruction in post-crisis, conflict, and war zones,” al-Sudani said in his opening remarks.

As part of this plan, he confirmed Iraq’s financial support for two of the region’s most affected areas. “We affirm Iraq’s contribution of $20 million for the reconstruction of Gaza and $20 million for the reconstruction of brotherly Lebanon,” he said.

Al-Sudani used the summit to draw urgent attention to the situation in Palestine, calling for an immediate end to military operations and unimpeded humanitarian access. “The genocide of the Palestinian people has reached a level of brutality unmatched in the history of conflicts,” he said.

Condemning the forced displacement of Palestinians, he urged Arab countries to take action. “We have all seen the images of children standing in long lines for a morsel of food or a piece of bread — they may get it, or return empty-handed. We ask: what memory of pain and injustice will this generation carry?”

He also called for reactivating the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza and the West Bank and emphasized the need to uphold Palestinian rights to a dignified life on their land.

Key Highlights from the speech of Al-Sudani at the Opening of the 34th Arab Summit Hosted in Baghdad:

I welcome you in the name of the Iraqi people and the guests of our summit — foremost among them, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain Mr. Pedro Sánchez, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. António Guterres.
The eyes of our Arab peoples are on you today, hoping that words will turn into solutions to the challenges and risks, and awaiting realistic and practical steps.

Iraq has adopted a foreign policy that prioritizes partnership and cooperation with our Arab brothers.

Iraq’s foreign policy is based on the principle of good neighborliness, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-alignment with regional or international blocs.

We supported solutions based on dialogue and understanding, contributed to narrowing wide differences, and pursued productive diplomacy.

Our vision for ending crises and the sources of conflict in the region starts with the Palestinian people obtaining their full right to a dignified and free life on their land, and putting an end to the ongoing aggression.

The genocide of the Palestinian people has reached a level of brutality unmatched in the history of conflicts.

We have rejected and still reject the forced displacement of Palestinians, and we stress the need to stop the assaults on Gaza, the West Bank, and the occupied territories, and to open the doors for humanitarian aid.
We have all seen the images of children standing in long lines for a morsel of food or a piece of bread — they may get it, or return empty-handed. We ask: what memory of pain and injustice will this generation carry?”

We have called — and still call — for serious and responsible Arab action to save Gaza and reactivate the role of UNRWA in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

We support a ceasefire in southern Lebanon and condemn repeated violations of this brotherly country’s sovereignty.

We renew our support for Syria’s unity and sovereignty, and we reject any aggression or domination over Syrian land.

We will spare no effort in supporting our brothers in Syria to build a state of citizenship and establish a democratic constitutional system through a transitional process that guarantees the rights of the Syrian people, religious freedom for all its communities, and combats terrorism.

We value the decision of the United States to lift sanctions on Syria, and we hope this step will help ease the suffering of the Syrian people.

Iraq affirms its support for the unity and sovereignty of Yemen, and for ending the conflict and division, in order to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and meet their humanitarian needs.

Iraq stresses the need to preserve the unity of brotherly Sudan and find sustainable solutions to its severe humanitarian crisis.

The fraternal bond with Libya calls us to take a stand toward finding a comprehensive solution based on dialogue to strengthen stability and end internal division.

We affirm our welcome and support for the U.S.-Iran negotiations, based on a vision rooted in peace, coexistence, and constructive engagement.

We must move toward root solutions that address the core of problems, and prioritize interconnected Arab security while encouraging institutional mechanisms that support stability.

We must act through plans that support the integration of the Arab system, unify efforts in combating terrorism, human trafficking, drug challenges, climate change, and everything that strengthens the stability and social cohesion of Arab communities.

We announce 18 ambitious initiatives to energize joint Arab action, led by the initiative to establish the Arab Fund for Recovery and Reconstruction in post-crisis, conflict, and war zones.

We affirm Iraq’s contribution of $20 million for the reconstruction of Gaza and $20 million for the reconstruction of brotherly Lebanon.

Our 34th summit is not just a meeting, but the beginning of a project we hope will be a turning point and a new start that ensures the future of our peoples.

Baghdad is proud of your presence on its soil. It stands tall and strong, contributing to the crafting of solutions and confronting challenges.

Office of the Prime Minister
May 17, 2025