Arab-Islamic Committee, EU High Rep. Call for Gaza Ceasefire Implementation
The Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza convened on Sunday with the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, in Cairo.
In addition to Kallas, the meeting brought together the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Palestine, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Türkiye, and Indonesia, as well as Nigeria’s Chargé d’affaires in Cairo and the Secretary Generals of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The meeting discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip in light of the renewed Israeli aggression in the enclave and attacks on civilians. The participants stressed the urgent need to fully implement the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and emphasized their support for the Arab-endorsed reconstruction plan.
Israeli Hostilities in Gaza
In a joint statement, the parties expressed their grave concern over the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire which led to a large number of civilian casualties in recent Israeli airstrikes, condemning the resumption of aggression against civilians.
In the light of this, they called for the immediate and full implementation of ceasefire-hostage and detainees release agreement, which came into force on January 19, 2025. They emphasized the need for progressing to the agreement’s second phase to ensure its full implementation, including the release of all hostages, a permanent end to hostilities, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2735.
Humanitarian Access
The parties also called for the full respect for the international humanitarian law, reaffirming the need for swift, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access and the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip.
Furthermore, they demanded the removal of all restrictions that impede the delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as the immediate restoration of all basic services in Gaza, including electricity and water desalination.
Gaza Reconstruction Plan
According to the statement, the parties welcomed the Arab-endorsed plan for Gaza recovery and reconstruction, saying it ensures that the Palestinian people will remain on their territory. With regards to this, they reiterated their categorical rejection of any displacement or expulsion of Palestinians from their lands, including Gaza, the West Bank or Jerusalem.
Moreover, the parties underscored the importance of the upcoming Conference on the Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza, which will take place in Cairo. They urged the international community to mobilize resources to address the crisis in the Strip.
The parties also emphasized the importance of unifying Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority (PA) and supporting the PA in assuming all of its responsibilities in Gaza.
Two-State Solution
In their joint statement, the parties reiterated the need to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory on the basis of the 4 June 1967 lines, including Jerusalem, and in line with UN resolutions and the two-state solution, thus achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.
Furthermore, they emphasized the vision of the two-state solution, with the Gaza Strip as part of the Palestinian state, in line with International Law and relevant Security Council resolutions. They stressed that any discussions regarding the future of Gaza should align with this vision.
Israeli Actions in West Bank
The parties expressed deep concern over the Israeli military incursions in the occupied West Bank. They also condemned the illegal practices, including settlement activities, home demolitions, and settler violence, which undermine the rights of the Palestinian people and threaten the prospects for a just and lasting peace.
Moreover, the parties firmly rejected annexation attempts and unilateral measures that seek to alter the legal and historical status quo of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.
According to the joint statement, the parties reiterated their full commitment to a political resolution to the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution with Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, based on the relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
In the light of this, they reaffirmed their support for a UN High Level International Conference in June, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, to advance these goals.
