The urgent need for Arab unity

As Arab leaders prepare to convene at the emergency Arab League Summit in Cairo next week, the urgency of crafting a unified and strategic response to the region’s worsening crises has never been greater. From the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank to escalating tensions in the Red Sea, shifting global alliances and persistent economic vulnerabilities, the Arab world finds itself at a crossroads. This moment demands more than rhetorical unity — it requires decisive action, strategic coordination and a bold reassessment of the region’s geopolitical and economic priorities.

The war in Gaza has once again exposed the Arab world’s inability to translate political outrage into tangible consequences for Israel. While statements of condemnation and diplomatic efforts persist, they have yet to produce meaningful deterrence against Israel’s continued violations of international law. The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Palestine should not only be a cause for concern but a rallying point for genuine Arab-led initiatives.

At the same time, tensions in the Red Sea — where Houthi attacks on commercial shipping have drawn Western military intervention — pose a direct threat to Arab economic and security interests. The increased militarization of this vital trade route, combined with the broader strategic contest between global powers, underscores the necessity of an Arab security framework that prioritizes regional stability over foreign influence.

Shifting alliances in the Middle East further reflect an evolving global order. The Abraham Accords, US disengagement from certain regional conflicts and China’s growing footprint in the Gulf illustrate how the Arab world must redefine its foreign policy strategies. Instead of passively reacting to these changes, Arab states must proactively shape them by asserting their collective influence and ensuring their own strategic interests take precedence.

The war in Gaza has once again exposed the Arab world’s inability to translate political outrage into tangible consequences

Hani Hazaimeh

Economic fragmentation has long been a weakness, leaving the region vulnerable to external pressures. It is time for Arab nations to move beyond mere discussions and take concrete steps toward economic integration. A unified strategy in key sectors such as energy, food security and technology would bolster resilience against global market fluctuations and geopolitical instability. The Gulf states, with their vast energy resources, can play a central role in establishing an independent Arab energy network that strengthens regional economies and reduces dependence on Western markets. Meanwhile, investments in agricultural technology and intra-Arab trade can mitigate the region’s reliance on food imports, which has long been a source of economic and political vulnerability.

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital economies present another opportunity for Arab nations to collaborate in technological development. Instead of competing for foreign partnerships individually, Arab states should establish regional research hubs, innovation funds and cooperative agreements that ensure a future built on self-reliance rather than dependency. Strengthening economic ties will not only boost collective prosperity but also enhance political leverage on the global stage.

For decades, Arab summits have been marked by strong declarations of solidarity with Palestine, yet these statements have rarely translated into meaningful action. The Israeli bombardment of Gaza and expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank demand more than words — they require policy shifts that impose consequences on Israel. One immediate step could be leveraging economic and diplomatic pressure through trade restrictions, sanctions and the suspension of normalization agreements until Israel adheres to international law. Additionally, Arab states must use their influence within international organizations such as the UN and the International Criminal Court to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes.

The Arab world must also reconsider its reliance on Western mediation, which has consistently favored Israeli interests. A stronger Arab-led peace initiative — one that aligns with Palestinian aspirations and international law — should be pursued as an alternative to the failed frameworks of the past. Without a clear, coordinated approach, the Palestinian cause risks becoming an afterthought in an increasingly polarized world order.

Foreign intervention in Arab affairs has historically fueled instability rather than resolved conflicts. From Libya to Syria, Yemen to Sudan, external military interventions and political maneuvering have exacerbated divisions rather than facilitated peace. The Arab world must take ownership of its security landscape through a robust, regionally led diplomatic and defense framework.

A revitalized Arab League, with strengthened enforcement mechanisms, could serve as a platform for resolving intra-Arab conflicts and preventing external actors from exploiting regional divisions. Additionally, the creation of an Arab-led rapid response mechanism for conflict resolution — similar to the African Union’s peacekeeping model — could reduce reliance on foreign military interventions and empower the region to handle crises independently.

The Arab world must take ownership of its security landscape through a robust, regionally led framework

Hani Hazaimeh

Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as two of the region’s most influential powers, bear a particular responsibility in steering the Arab world toward greater unity. Saudi Arabia’s economic strength, diplomatic reach and leadership in the Islamic world position it as a key driver of regional cohesion. Meanwhile, Egypt’s strategic location, historical role in Arab politics and military capabilities make it an indispensable pillar of Arab security. Together, they can spearhead efforts to forge stronger political, economic and military cooperation among Arab states. By leading the charge in establishing a comprehensive regional strategy, they can shift the Arab world beyond reactionary politics and toward proactive leadership.

The upcoming Arab summit represents more than a diplomatic gathering — it is a test of whether Arab leaders can rise to the challenge of this pivotal moment. The region has the resources, strategic advantages and historical legacy to assert itself as a unified and influential bloc. However, this will only be achieved if leaders prioritize collective interests over individual ambitions, take decisive action rather than issue empty statements and embrace a vision that secures the region’s sovereignty, stability and prosperity.

A divided Arab world is a vulnerable Arab world. The time for unity, strategy and action is now.

- Hani Hazaimeh is a senior editor based in Amman. X: @hanihazaimeh