Joint Statement On Gaza Strip Developments Calls For Immediate Humanitarian Action And Peace Efforts

The Ministerial Committee, formed by the Joint Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit, has voiced strong opposition to Israel's plan to establish full military control over the Gaza Strip. This group includes nations such as Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Nigeria, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and organisations like the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. They view this move as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law.

Israel's actions are seen as an attempt to solidify its occupation through force. The committee believes these actions undermine peace efforts and worsen conditions for Palestinians. For nearly two years, Palestinians have faced severe aggression and blockades affecting their lives in Gaza and beyond. The committee calls for an immediate halt to Israeli aggression in Gaza and other regions.

The committee demands that Israel allow humanitarian aid into Gaza without conditions. This includes food, medicine, and fuel. They also stress the importance of enabling relief agencies to operate freely under international humanitarian law. Support is extended to Egypt, Qatar, and the USA in their efforts to broker a ceasefire and facilitate prisoner exchanges.

Reconstruction plans for Gaza are also highlighted. The committee urges participation in an upcoming conference in Cairo focused on rebuilding efforts. They condemn any attempts to displace Palestinians from their lands in Gaza or the West Bank. Preserving the status quo at holy sites in Jerusalem is emphasised, recognising the Hashemite Custodianship's role.

A just peace can only be achieved through a two-State solution. This involves establishing an independent Palestinian State based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The committee holds Israel accountable for ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and calls on the international community to act against Israel's aggressive policies.

The committee stresses implementing outcomes from a recent high-level conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France in New York. This includes urgent measures to end conflict in Gaza and pursue a political path for resolving the Palestinian issue through a two-State solution.

The international community must ensure accountability for violations by Israel against international laws. Permanent members of the Security Council are urged to take action against policies undermining peace prospects. Immediate accountability is necessary for violations amounting to genocide.

With inputs from WAM