UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Five Other Nations Release Joint Statement Condemning Ongoing Israeli Violations in Gaza

Foreign ministers of eight nations have released a joint statement strongly condemning Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, especially those responsible for attacks on medical infrastructures, civilian areas and health facilities.

The signatories of the statement are the foreign ministers of the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The ministers underscored the “ongoing loss of lives of civilians, including women and children”, as “grave violations of international law and international humanitarian law”.

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Ministers Warn of Threat to Gaza Political Process

The ministers reiterated that any ongoing escalations would jeopardize “the next step” of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict which aims to develop a comprehensive solution to the issue in the region and internationally.

They also feared an escalation further along the path could undermine the political process and exacerbate the situation. In a reference to the announcement made by US President Donald Trump, the statement mentioned Palestinian factions’ acceptance of the roadmap and its reference to the weapons’ containment measures.

Protection of Civilians and Medical Facilities

One of the main parts of the statement was to demand more protection of civilians and of healthcare workers. The Ministers stated that there is an international law that must cover medical facilities and humanitarian personnel.

They further demanded that all the humanitarian access in Gaza be “Safe and Unhindered immediately. Without delays, medical supplies, relief assistance and other essential aid need to be delivered to civilians,” the statement said.

West Bank and Jerusalem Also Highlighted

The foreign ministers noted that any efforts towards Gaza cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the occupied Palestinian territories.

They were referring in particular to settler attacks in the Occupied West Bank and to the ongoing settlement activity and unilateral steps which are impacting on the rights of the status quo in Occupied Jerusalem. The ministers said that these are developments that erode the building blocks of an eventual two-state solution.

Call for UN Security Council Action

The eight countries let the international community, especially the UN Security Council, take up what they said are its legal and moral duties.

They have called for positive concrete steps to ensure that Israel abides by international law, its relevant humanitarian obligations and also UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The ministers also called for accountability of those who committed serious violations.

Rejection of Annexation and Forced Displacement

The ministers reaffirmed their firm opposition to any attempt to annex occupied Palestinian territories or Israeli sovereignty over them.

They also opposed any displacement of the Palestinians, emphasising the right to the legitimate rights of the Palestinians. The statement put these matters at the heart of the discussion around a sustainable political settlement.

Support for a Two-State Solution

A just and comprehensive peace “must be accompanied by a serious political process that must result in actions to implement the two-State solution,” the ministers said.

They made no attempt to disguise their support for Palestine to be independent and sovereign with the boundaries of 1967 and East Jerusalem as its capital. They further stated that the political journey towards a lasting cease-fire and ensuring the sustainability of opportunities to fulfil pre-existing agreements are also essential to peace and security.

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