
Israel vehemently denies accusations of genocide in Gaza, asserting that it endeavours to minimize civilian casualties and targets only Hamas militants. Israel contends that Hamas’ practice of operating within civilian areas complicates efforts to avoid civilian harm. During the previous year’s AU summit, an Israeli representative was promptly removed from the plenary hall amid controversy surrounding Israel’s observer status within the continental body.
The commencement of this year’s summit was marked by apprehension regarding conflicts and the reemergence of coups throughout Africa. Faki highlighted concerns over various issues, including the postponement of elections in Senegal and instances of violence in eastern Congo, Sudan, the Sahel, and Libya. He emphasized the need to rekindle the ethos of African solidarity and Pan-Africanism to confront the myriad challenges confronting the continent, which is home to 1.3 billion people.