Foreign ministers from Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have jointly welcomed a US proposal to end the war in Gaza. In a statement, they noted the positive steps taken by Hamas in response to the plan, which calls for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
The ministers expressed appreciation for US President Joe Biden’s efforts to establish peace and his call for Israel to halt bombing operations. They described the developments as a genuine opportunity for a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire that would also address the severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The proposal includes the release of all hostages, both living and deceased, and the immediate start of negotiations on how to implement the agreement.
A New Administration for Gaza
The joint statement also welcomed Hamas’s announcement that it is prepared to hand over the administration of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian committee of independent technocrats. The ministers stressed the need for immediate negotiations to agree on the mechanisms for implementing all aspects of the US-backed proposal.
The eight nations reiterated their shared commitment to supporting the plan’s implementation. They outlined their goals for a comprehensive agreement that would ensure the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza and prevent the displacement of the Palestinian people.
Commitment to a Two-State Solution
The ministers stated that any agreement must also guarantee the security of civilians, the release of hostages, and the return of the Palestinian Authority to govern a unified Gaza and West Bank.
Ultimately, they affirmed their support for a security mechanism that protects all sides, leading to a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. They called for the rebuilding of the territory and the creation of a clear path towards a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.