Cairo Ministerial Meeting Affirms Support For Gaza Ceasefire And Reconstruction Initiatives

A ministerial meeting was held in Cairo, initiated by Egypt, with participation from the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Palestine. The Arab League's Secretary-General also attended. The gathering welcomed a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and praised Egypt and Qatar's efforts. The United States' role was acknowledged as crucial in reaching this agreement.

The ministers stressed the need for the Palestinian Authority to take responsibility in Gaza, part of the occupied territories including the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This would help address the humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli actions. They reaffirmed UNRWA's essential role and opposed any attempts to diminish its function.

During discussions, ministers emphasised support for implementing all phases of the ceasefire agreement to achieve full de-escalation. They highlighted maintaining the ceasefire, ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza, removing obstacles to aid entry, securing Israeli military withdrawal, and rejecting any division attempts of Gaza.

The meeting underscored international efforts for Gaza's reconstruction plan implementation. This aims to ensure Palestinians remain on their land, improve living conditions, and address internal displacement consequences. Ministers expressed full support for Palestinian resilience and commitment to their legitimate rights under international law.

Ministers welcomed Egypt’s intention to host an international conference for Gaza's reconstruction with UN cooperation at a suitable time. They urged global donors to contribute to this effort. The meeting called on international powers and the UN Security Council to take concrete steps toward implementing the two-state solution.

The ministers rejected measures undermining Palestinian rights like settlement activities, evictions, home demolitions, land annexation or forced displacement. These actions threaten regional stability and peace prospects. They affirmed support for an upcoming international conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France in June 2025 aimed at advancing the two-state solution.

Commitment to Peace Efforts

The meeting highlighted working with the US Administration towards a just Middle East peace based on a two-state solution. It urged addressing root causes of tensions in the region through fair resolution of the Palestinian cause and establishing a Palestinian state on its full national territory according to international legitimacy and June 4, 1967 borders.

This gathering is part of broader regional and international efforts aimed at enhancing stability in the region while seeking a comprehensive resolution for Palestine’s situation.

With inputs from WAM