During the first session of the Al Jazeera Forum titled 'The Arab Situation: Limited Roles and Escalating Crises', former Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail discussed the perceived decline in the Arab stance regarding Palestine. He attributed this decline to five main factors that have developed over decades and reshaped the relationship between Arab states and the Palestinian cause. The session highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Arab nations, which he believes hinder their ability to effectively engage in regional issues, including the Palestinian struggle.

The former minister elaborated that one of the primary reasons for this decline is the profound instabilities in governance and legitimacy within several Arab countries, leading to civil wars and political divides. Additionally, he stressed that many Arab states have become increasingly preoccupied with their internal crises, thus neglecting collective Arab issues, particularly the Palestinian plight. Furthermore, he noted that misstep decisions, such as the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, have diminished Arab solidarity and prompted some nations to seek security through alliances beyond the Arab framework.

Economic fragility also plays a significant role, with many Arab countries becoming reliant on foreign powers, which further complicates their position in the Palestinian conflict. Ismail's reflections underscore the necessity for a renewed commitment among Arab states to address internal challenges and rediscover a unified front on critical issues like Palestine. This discussion reveals the complexities surrounding the Arab responses to the Palestinian cause and the implications of regional instability on collective action.