CAIRO, Dec 5 (MENA) – Foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar expressed deep concern on Friday over recent Israeli statements proposing the opening of the Rafah crossing in one direction solely to allow residents of the Gaza Strip to move into Egypt.
In a joint statement, the ministers strongly rejected any attempts to displace the Palestinian population from its land. They emphasized the importance of fully adhering to US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which calls for the Rafah crossing to operate in both directions, guaranteeing freedom of movement for Gaza residents and ensuring that no one is forced to leave.
Instead, the ministers said conditions should be created to allow Palestinians to remain in their homeland and participate in rebuilding their nation, as part of a comprehensive vision to restore stability and improve humanitarian conditions.
The statement reiterated the ministers’ appreciation for President Trump’s commitment to advancing peace in the region and highlighted the need to proceed with the full implementation of his plan without delay or obstruction, to achieve security, peace and regional stability.
The ministers also called for a complete and sustained ceasefire, an end to civilian suffering and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They urged the initiation of early recovery and reconstruction efforts, and the restoration of Palestinian Authority control over the territory, paving the way for a new phase of security and stability in the region.
Finally, the ministers affirmed their countries’ readiness to continue coordinating with the United States and all relevant regional and international parties to ensure full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and other relevant resolutions. They stressed the importance of creating conditions for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in line with international law and the two-state solution, envisioning an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines, including Gaza and the West Bank and with East Jerusalem as its capital.(MENA)
