Eight Arab and Islamic countries have expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, citing continued Israeli violations and restrictions on aid. In a meeting on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, foreign ministers from Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia called for an immediate end to Israeli violations and the implementation of a comprehensive plan to end the war.
The ministers emphasized the need for a commitment to a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip without delay or obstruction. They also stressed the importance of rehabilitating vital infrastructure and basic services in the sector, which has been severely damaged during the war. The countries called on Israel to fulfill its obligations under the first phase of the comprehensive plan to end the war.
The ministers highlighted the importance of ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and early recovery supplies to Gaza in a safe and unhindered manner. They noted that continued restrictions on aid exacerbate the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians and hinder recovery efforts. The countries also emphasized the need for a complete commitment to a ceasefire and an end to all violations.
The roadmap for Gaza is part of a comprehensive plan and provides a framework for implementing its second phase, which includes the collection of weapons and Israeli withdrawal. The ministers called on all parties to fulfill their obligations in good faith and without delay. They also emphasized the need to begin early recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The ministers renewed their rejection of any measures aimed at forcibly displacing or expelling the Palestinian people from their land. They condemned Israeli actions that seek to change the demographic and geographic reality of the occupied Palestinian territories. The countries called for an end to these measures, which they said threaten Palestinian rights and undermine prospects for a political settlement.
The ministers expressed concern over measures that undermine the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. They emphasized the importance of preserving the status quo in the city and rejecting any actions that alter its reality or undermine its identity. The countries also welcomed recent measures taken by the UK and other European countries to address Israeli settlement activity.
The ministers stressed that Gaza must remain an integral part of Palestinian territory and that efforts should be made to preserve the unity of Palestinian lands. They emphasized the need for a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on a two-state solution. The countries also praised the role of the US in ensuring the implementation of the comprehensive plan.
Key points
- Eight Arab and Islamic countries call for an end to Israeli violations in Gaza
- The countries emphasize the need for a ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid
- The ministers stress the importance of preserving Palestinian land unity and a two-state solution
