Dana Al-Majali
The Cairo Summit, which brought together His Majesty King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, and French President Emmanuel Macron, took place during a critical moment for Gaza, a region facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in its modern history. Although the summit had a political nature, it also carried a strong humanitarian message—calling for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid.
From a human rights perspective, the summit was a response to the repeated violations faced by the people of Gaza. Every life lost, every hospital bombed, and every injured child is not just a number, but a real human tragedy and a sign of moral and legal failure by the international system. Basic human rights such as the right to life, dignity, and safety are being violated daily in Gaza. His Majesty King Abdullah II stressed during the summit:
“This war must end. The killing of civilians cannot be justified. The international community must act now!”
This statement reflects Jordan’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause not just as a regional issue but as a global humanitarian concern. It also highlights the importance of protecting civilians under international humanitarian law, which rejects collective punishment and the targeting of non-combatants.
From the lens of realist theory in international relations, the summit was not free from strategic calculations. Realism suggests that states act based on their national interests and security. The participation of Egypt and Jordan—two countries neighboring Gaza—shows their real concerns about the conflict’s impact on regional stability, refugee flows, and rising tensions. France’s presence shows that Europe is also worried about the global consequences of the ongoing crisis. So, while the summit’s language was humanitarian, strategic interests were certainly present.
But this mix between politics and ethics is what makes the summit meaningful. It shows that protecting human rights and achieving peace go hand in hand. There can be no real peace without justice, and no long-term security while people continue to suffer.
What’s next? What are the outcomes of the summit, and what does the future look like? Although the summit did not immediately change the situation on the ground, it had three important results:
A clear diplomatic message: It sent a message to the world that regional and European powers will not stay silent, increasing political pressure on the parties involved, especially on Israel and its allies.
A humanitarian push for action: The summit emphasized the need to deliver aid and open safe corridors. This may encourage international organizations like the UN or the Red Cross to step in more actively.
A path toward broader political action: The summit might be the beginning of a larger regional or international alliance working on long-term political solutions and possibly supporting future accountability efforts.
In the end, the future of Gaza and the wider region depends on the international community’s ability to turn words into action. Human rights organizations and civil society will play a critical role in monitoring violations and demanding justice. But if Gaza continues to be viewed only through a security lens while ignoring the human suffering the cycle of violence will not end.
The Cairo Summit was a reminder that real leadership today is not about words, but about actions. Protecting human life and dignity is not a political choice it’s a moral and human duty. The real question now is: are we ready to put humanity first?