New York: Eight Arab-Islamic countries, including Pakistan, have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza. The announcement followed a meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, held on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Radio Pakistan, the ministers called on Israel to immediately fulfill its commitments under the First Phase of the Comprehensive Plan. This includes ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and early recovery supplies, as well as facilitating the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in Gaza. The statement also underscored the need to preserve the ceasefire and end all violations.
The ministers emphasized the importance of the Road Map as part of the Comprehensive Plan, which outlines steps such as the decommissioning and full Israeli withdrawal, deployment of an International Stabilization Force, and the assumption of responsibilities by the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. The statement stressed the importance of launching early recovery and reconstruction efforts across Gaza.
The foreign ministers called on all parties to fulfill their commitments without delay. They reiterated their rejection of any measures aimed at the expulsion or forced displacement of Palestinians and decried actions that consolidate Israeli control, such as settlement expansion and land confiscation. The statement also expressed concern over measures affecting the historical and legal status of religious sites in Jerusalem.
The ministers welcomed efforts by the United Kingdom and European nations to respond to illegal Israeli settlement activities, urging further measures to halt settlement expansion and ensure accountability for settler violence. They emphasized the necessity of Gaza remaining part of Palestinian territory and supported a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
The ministers praised the leadership of US President Donald J. Trump and highlighted the essential role of the United States in implementing the Comprehensive Plan. They called for active US engagement to ensure all parties, including Israel, meet their obligations and to address obstacles to the Road Map’s implementation.
The statement reaffirmed the ministers’ commitment to working collectively with the United States, the Board of Peace, the Palestinian Authority, and relevant parties to advance the Comprehensive Plan and alleviate Palestinian suffering. The ministers reiterated their dedication to achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region.