Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee Engages With President Mahmoud Abbas On Gaza Crisis And Peace Efforts

The Ministerial Committee from the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza, led by Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, held a virtual meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The meeting included key figures such as Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.

During the meeting, the Committee updated President Abbas on its international efforts to halt Israeli aggression in Gaza and lift the blockade. They also discussed preparations for a High-Level International Conference in New York this June, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. This conference aims to promote an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Committee expressed support for mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. They urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and grant access to UN agencies like UNRWA. The Committee also called for an end to Israeli escalation in the West Bank.

President Abbas appreciated the Committee's work in rallying international support to end the conflict in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis. He emphasized his hope for success at the upcoming conference and increased global recognition of Palestine. Abbas reaffirmed his commitment to peace and security through cooperation with Arab states and international partners.

The importance of holding an International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza was highlighted by the Committee. Scheduled for Cairo after a ceasefire is reached, this conference will implement reconstruction plans from a previous summit held in Cairo.

The Committee condemned Israel's obstruction of their planned visit to Ramallah as a breach of diplomatic norms. They described it as part of Israel’s policy hindering peace efforts and blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza. This action was seen as consistent with extremist policies obstructing broader peace initiatives.

Commitment to Reform and Peace

President Abbas reiterated his government's dedication to reform programs while calling for coordinated international support across political, economic, and security dimensions. He urged Israel to release unlawfully withheld Palestinian funds.

The Committee praised President Abbas’s reform measures and stressed supporting the Palestinian National Authority. They emphasized that these reforms are crucial for achieving comprehensive peace.

President Abbas concluded by expressing hope that the Ministerial Committee would soon be welcomed on Palestinian soil. He reaffirmed his rejection of violence against civilians while working towards peace alongside Arab states and international allies.

With inputs from SPA