The Arab League underlined the need to maintain the process of reconciliation to end divisions among Palestinians and reunite the institutions in order to strengthen the structure of the Palestinian state toward the achievement of a just and lasting peace. The League also warned against Israels practices and its settlement activities, despite continued international condemnation. On Wednesday, the League commemorated the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, stressing the importance of the Palestinian cause. Participants expressed full support and solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle for freedom and independence and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the League would keep up its efforts to strengthen coordinated and joint Arab action in the international arena to consolidate the status of the Palestinian State, expand its recognition, achieve its full membership in the United Nations and intensify efforts to end the occupation. Aboul Gheit warned of the continuation of Israeli violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and the attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites, especially in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the unjust siege imposed on the Gaza Strip for more than ten years, as well as persistent violations against prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails. The Arab League Secretary-General stressed that impeding peace settlement would result in dire consequences not only for the region but also for the whole world. In this regard, he called for the launching of a serious negotiating process according to a clear mechanism and timeframe to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.