RIYADH: Arab foreign ministers have reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Arab world, and the Arab identity of Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem.
At their preparatory meeting for the 29th Arab League Summit, they renewed their commitment to peacefully resolving the Israeli-Arab conflict in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative.
The ministers said the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move its embassy there is invalid, and a dangerous violation of international law and UN resolutions.
They said East Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine, and reaffirmed their rejection of any attempt to deny or limit Palestinian sovereignty there.
They strongly condemned illegal Israeli settlements throughout occupied Palestine, including East Jerusalem.
The ministers stressed their full solidarity with Lebanon, its government and all its constitutional institutions that preserve national unity, security, stability and sovereignty.
They highlighted the Lebanese right to liberate the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms, the Kfar Shuba Hills and the Lebanese side of the village of Ghajar.
The ministers stressed their commitment to maintaining Syria’s sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity and safety.
They said the only possible solution to the conflict is political, based on the participation of all Syrian parties. 
They added that the Turkish military operation in the Syrian region of Afrin undermines ongoing efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Libya’s unity, sovereignty and safety, their rejection of outside interference, and their support for efforts by the Government of National Accord to weaken terrorist groups, extend the state’s sovereignty, protect its borders and maintain its resources. They urged a comprehensive political solution to the Libyan crisis.
They expressed support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government, and its efforts to restore safety and security throughout the country, and to maintain its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The ministers rejected outside interference in Yemen’s internal affairs.
They reaffirmed Emirati sovereignty over the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa islands, and their support for all peaceful measures taken by the UAE to liberate them from Iranian occupation.
They stressed the importance of having cooperative relationships between Arab countries and Iran based on good neighborliness.
The ministers condemned Iranian interference in Arab countries’ internal affairs, considering it a violation of international law, the principle of good-neighborliness and state sovereignty.
They urged Tehran to stop actions that jeopardize regional trust, security and stability.
The ministers condemned all forms of criminal and terrorist activity in Arab countries and worldwide, including the use of religious, sectarian and racist slogans that can cause strife and violence.
They said military and security solutions alone are not enough to defeat terrorism.
Arab foreign ministers reaffirm centrality of Palestinian cause
Arab foreign ministers reaffirm centrality of Palestinian cause
- Ministers reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Arab world
- The ministers stressed their full solidarity with Lebanon
Ramadan lanterns: A symbol of celebration
CAIRO: Muslims around the world are observing Ramadan, a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, intense prayer and charity.
The holy month has long been associated with a rich tapestry of customs and traditions that define its unique celebrations.
Among the most prominent symbols of these festivities is the Ramadan lantern, a cherished emblem that illuminates streets and homes, reflecting the spiritual and cultural essence of the season.
In the historic districts of Cairo — such as Al-Hussein, Al-Azhar and Sayyida Zeinab — millions of Egyptians gather to celebrate Ramadan.
These neighborhoods are transformed into vibrant scenes of light and color, adorned with elaborate illuminations and countless Ramadan lanterns that hang across streets and balconies.
Vendors line the bustling alleys, offering a wide array of goods associated with the sacred month.
Foremost among these cherished items is the Ramadan lantern, which remains the most iconic and sought-after symbol of the season, embodying both tradition and festivity.
The lantern, in its earliest form, served as a vital source of illumination in ancient times.
Initially, torches crafted from wood and fueled with oils were used to light homes and pathways.
During the Middle Ages, Egyptians advanced their methods of lighting, developing oil lamps and decorative lanterns. In the Mamluk era, streets were illuminated on a wider scale, and artisans excelled in architectural innovation, producing intricately designed lanterns adorned with refined artistic motifs.
Gamal Shaqra, professor of modern history, told Arab News: “The story of the Ramadan lantern is widely traced back to the Fatimid era, with several narratives surrounding its origin. One account links it to Jawhar Al-Siqilli, the general who founded Cairo and built Al-Azhar Mosque, and to the arrival of Caliph Al-Muizz li-Din Allah in 969 A.D.
“According to this, Egyptians welcomed the Fatimid caliph by carrying lanterns to light his path, using them as both illumination and a gesture of celebration.”
He added: “Following this historic scene, lanterns began to be used to light streets and public spaces. Over time, the lantern evolved into a defining symbol of Ramadan festivities, as children took to the streets carrying their brightly lit lanterns and chanting traditional songs celebrating the holy month.
“The tradition continued to flourish during the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, with lantern designs becoming increasingly diverse. In the era of Mohammad Ali, the craft saw further development, as lanterns were manufactured from metal sheets and fitted with colored glass, marking a significant evolution in both design and production.”
Methods of manufacturing the Ramadan lantern have diversified over time, alongside the evolution of its artistic designs in the modern era.
With the advancement of tools and technology, merchants have increasingly introduced wooden lanterns crafted using laser-cut techniques, offering intricate patterns and contemporary styles.
Despite these innovations, handcrafted lanterns continue to retain their distinctive value and authenticity. Made by skilled artisans, these traditional pieces remain deeply cherished, preserving the spirit of heritage and craftsmanship associated with the holy month.
Artist Mohamed Abla told Arab News that the design of the Ramadan lantern was inspired by the form of the mishkat — the ornate niche found in mosques that embodies Islamic art and traditionally serves as a source of illumination.
He added that the lantern had long been a subject for visual artists, who had depicted it in their paintings as a symbol of folk heritage and the enduring traditions associated with celebrating the holy month.
During a tour of popular marketplaces, a clear variation in lantern prices was noted, reflecting the craftsmanship and effort invested in their production.
In the tourist markets along Al-Moeaz Street, brass and bronze lanterns are prominently displayed in antique shops, showcasing elaborate designs that appeal to both visitors and collectors seeking traditional Ramadan decor.
