The Arab world supports the Palestinian brothers in their resistance against the Israeli "aggression", Sheikh Sabah pledged, calling for an immediate and unconditional implementation of UN Resolution 1860 to pave the way for a full and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories and lift the siege on Gaza.

The emir announced that Kuwait will donate 34 million U.S. dollars to enable the UN Relief and Works Agency to supply the urgent needs of the Palestinian people.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also spoke at the meeting, saying the unilateral ceasefire announced by Israel did not mean the end of violence, adding as long as the Israeli troops remain in Gaza, there would be no end of violence.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia (front) attends the Arab Economic, Social and Development Summit in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Jan. 19, 2009. [Xinhua/KUNA]

He called on the Arab nations to support the Gaza Palestinians in the "fight for their own honorable military and political rights," with assistances for the reconstruction of the impoverished enclave.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak pledged to continue efforts to extend a ceasefire between Gaza Palestinians and Israel and help Palestinians reach reconciliation.

He noted that Egypt has made great efforts to support the Palestinians since the launch of Israeli attacks on Gaza, including a ceasefire initiative, delivering aid into the strip, admitting wounded Palestinians in Egyptian hospitals and facilitating Palestinian reconciliation.

Egypt respects the Palestinians' resistance against aggression and their right to fight occupation, and we need a practical solution to end the killing of Gazan people, not only "statements of condemnation" of the Israeli offensive, Mubarak stressed.

The Egyptian president also called on Israel to seriously consider the Arab peace initiative, as realizing peace in the Middle East is an urgent need.

UN chief Ban, while urging for Israeli troops' withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave, called on Hamas to halt rocket and mortar fire against southern Israel. This is the first step for securing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, he stressed.

Ban also urged to establish an efficient system at Gaza border crossings to allow the inflow of aid, and underscored the need for Palestinians to reconcile to form a united government under President Mahmoud Abbas.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2009)