Doha: The Foreign Ministers of Qatar, along with counterparts from seven Arab and Islamic nations, have expressed strong condemnation of Israel's rejection of a roadmap designed to implement US President Donald Trump's plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The ministers also criticized Israel's stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state.
According to Qatar News Agency, the joint statement emphasized the urgent necessity for the full and immediate implementation of the comprehensive plan. This plan is seen as crucial for addressing the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza, ensuring security and stability, facilitating reconstruction and recovery, and advancing towards a just and lasting peace. Such peace would be grounded in the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of their state in compliance with international law, thereby fostering security and stability throughout the region.
The statement was issued by the Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The ministers condemned Israel's rejection of the roadmap, which is part of the US President's Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza conflict, ratified by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. They argue that Israel's actions amount to a direct repudiation of the plan, jeopardizing its implementation and undermining collective efforts towards peace.
The roadmap, accepted by Palestinian factions, represents the culmination of extensive mediations led by Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye, the USA, and the High Representative of Gaza. It is a crucial step towards disarming weapons, withdrawing Israeli forces, and transferring administrative authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.
The ministers warned that rejecting the roadmap is an explicit refusal to implement the Comprehensive Plan, threatening to derail efforts initiated by US President Trump to end the Gaza conflict and establish lasting peace conditions. They stressed the importance of continued US engagement to ensure Israel's compliance with the plan and prevent further obstructions.
Furthermore, the ministers held Israel responsible for any negative consequences arising from its continued rejection, including potential deterioration of the situation on the ground. They reiterated the need for the immediate implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to address humanitarian issues, ensure security, and lay the groundwork for peace based on Palestinian self-determination.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international law and UN resolutions. They emphasized that denying Palestinian statehood undermines regional peace prospects.
In conclusion, the ministers called for the continued involvement of the Board of Peace and urged all parties to support the roadmap's implementation and advance the second phase of President Trump's Comprehensive Plan. They also requested immediate action from the Board of Peace, with US support, to uphold the plan's integrity and prevent any obstructions to its implementation.