Arab and Islamic Countries Express Concern Over Israeli Remarks on Rafah Crossing

Riyadh: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Trkiye, and Qatar expressed concern over Israeli remarks regarding the opening of the Rafah border crossing in one direction, allowing Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the ministers emphasized their firm rejection of any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land. They highlighted the necessity of adhering to U.S. President Donald Trump's plan, which includes opening the Rafah crossing in both directions, guaranteeing freedom of movement for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and ensuring that no resident is forced to leave. The ministers underscored the importance of creating conditions for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip to remain on their land. They reiterated their appreciation for President Trump's commitment to establishing peace in the region and stressed the need to move forward with the implementation of his plan without delay or obstruction to achieve regional stability. They called for the consolidation of a ceasefire, the end of Palestinian civilians' suffering, and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ministers also urged initiating recovery and reconstruction efforts and creating conditions for the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, thereby laying the foundation for a new phase of security and stability. The ministers affirmed their countries' readiness to continue coordinating with the US and relevant parties to ensure full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2803 and related resolutions. They emphasized providing an environment for achieving a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in line with UN Resolutions and the two-state solution. They concluded that this approach would lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 borders, including the occupied territories in Gaza and the West Bank, with Ea st Jerusalem as its capital.