Hamas welcomes Arab League decision to honor Gaza genocide victims

Naim described the decision as an important step toward preserving Palestinian national and collective human memory, honoring the victims, and reaffirming their right to justice and accountability.

He expressed hope that the Arab League’s initiative would pave the way for broader Arab and international action, ultimately leading to the recognition of October 17 as a worldwide day dedicated to commemorating the victims of the genocide.

Hamas calls for international recognition of October 17

Naim said the annual commemoration should serve as more than a symbolic occasion, urging governments and international institutions to transform remembrance into a renewed commitment to justice for Palestinians.

He stressed that honoring the victims must go beyond recalling their suffering and should reinforce the international community’s responsibility to protect civilians, pursue justice, and hold those responsible for crimes against the Palestinian people accountable.

Naim also called for individuals responsible for war crimes to be prosecuted before competent courts, emphasizing the need to end impunity and secure justice for victims and their families.

He said the recognition of October 17 should become a starting point for sustained international efforts to preserve the memory of those killed and ensure accountability for crimes committed in Gaza.

Arab League holds first commemoration of Gaza genocide victims

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the Arab League held its first official commemoration of the victims of the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza at its General Secretariat headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

The ceremony followed the Arab League Council’s decision, adopted during its 166th ministerial session, to designate October 17 of each year as an annual day of remembrance.

The event aimed to preserve Palestinian historical memory, document Israeli violations and crimes against civilians, and strengthen Arab and international efforts to achieve justice and accountability.

Organizers emphasized the importance of ensuring that those responsible for crimes against Palestinians do not escape punishment.

Arab diplomats and officials demand accountability

The commemoration brought together representatives of Arab countries, ambassadors, diplomats, and parliamentary figures.

Ambassador Dr. Fayed Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector at the Arab League, delivered remarks on behalf of Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy.

Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, President of the Arab Parliament and Chairman of its Palestine Committee, also addressed the gathering.

Al-Yamahi emphasized the importance of documenting violations against Palestinians and strengthening international legal accountability.

The event highlighted growing calls for the preservation of evidence, recognition of victims, and prosecution of those responsible for crimes committed during Israel’s war on Gaza.

From remembrance to justice for Gaza

The Arab League’s decision to establish an annual day of remembrance seeks to ensure that the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza is neither forgotten nor reduced to casualty figures.

For Palestinian families who have lost loved ones, the initiative represents an effort to preserve the memory of the victims and reaffirm their right to justice.

Naim urged Arab and international institutions to build on the decision by seeking global recognition of October 17 and turning the annual commemoration into meaningful action.

He stressed that remembering the victims must be accompanied by concrete efforts to protect Palestinian civilians, prosecute those responsible for war crimes, and prevent impunity.

The initiative places remembrance and accountability at the center of efforts to honor the Palestinians killed during Israel’s genocide in Gaza.