Doha: The Ministerial Committee appointed by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza has endorsed a joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada regarding the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. The statement calls for an end to hostilities in Gaza and demands immediate humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Committee expressed agreement with the leaders' rejection of military operations and the ongoing assault on Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The statement highlighted concerns over the Israeli blockade and the denial of humanitarian aid, urging for a sustained and large-scale flow of life-saving aid to those in need. It noted the severe situation created by the deprivation of vital supplies and the use of aid as a weapon, pushing the population towards famine.
The statement emphasized that the Israeli blockade violates the UN Charter, international resolutions, treaties, and humanitarian law. It noted that the situation contributes to worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and poses a threat to regional security and stability.
The Committee called on Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian aid entry through all routes, including air and sea, to address the dire conditions in Gaza. It stated there is no justification for starving Palestinians and denying their basic needs.
The Committee expressed concern over Israel's plan to allow only limited aid delivery and a new model for aid distribution that violates humanitarian principles. It rejected the politicization of aid and condemned plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians and the annexation of land. The UN and its partners have been delivering aid in Gaza since 2023, adhering to humanitarian principles despite challenges.
The Committee urged the international community to pressure Israel to lift the blockade and comply with international law. It called for sustainable and unhindered aid entry and restoration of essential services in Gaza.
The Committee also called for an end to the Israeli war on Gaza and supported the ceasefire agreement mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the USA, which began in January 2020. It highlighted the need for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction and expressed concern over Israeli actions in the West Bank, which undermine peace prospects.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to a political solution ensuring Palestinian rights and the two-state solution, based on UN resolutions and international agreements. It plans to actively participate in a high-level international conference in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, to advance these goals.