The Organization of Islamic Cooperation endorsed an Egyptian counter-proposal to President Trump’s Gaza plan during an emergency meeting in Jeddah, aiming to establish a sustainable reconstruction initiative under Palestinian Authority control. Key international figures emphasized the importance of a two-state solution and condemned the displacement of Palestinians, while a trust fund for Gaza reconstruction was announced. Syria was also readmitted to the OIC, marking progress in its regional reintegration.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened an emergency meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where it endorsed a counter-proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza. This decision came shortly after the Arab League ratified the original proposal during a summit in Cairo, which suggests rebuilding Gaza under Palestinian Authority management.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty remarked on the approval of the Egyptian plan, stating it has evolved into an Arab-Islamic initiative. He expressed satisfaction with this development, which aims to address the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The urgency for this meeting arose amid global outrage over Trump’s suggestion to relocate Palestinian residents of Gaza to Egypt or Jordan.
Cameroonian Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella emphasized the need for a unified approach to resolve the conflict, advocating for a solution that respects a two-state framework, ensuring peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. He recognized the necessity of implementing agreements to foster lasting peace in the region.
Mamadou Tangara, Gambia’s foreign minister, criticized any plans that would displace Palestinians, terming them as “provocative, brutal, and inhumane.” He stressed the importance of the international community in establishing a sustainable ceasefire, as well as the significance of the two-state solution for achieving stability in the Middle East.
OIC Secretary General Hissein Ibrahim Taha voiced support for the Gaza reconstruction effort while upholding the rights of Palestinians to remain in their homeland. He called for coordinated actions to address humanitarian needs and support the Palestinian government’s responsibilities, reinforcing the unity of Palestinian territories.
Additionally, the Arab League revealed plans for a trust fund to finance Gaza’s reconstruction during the Cairo summit. This plan seeks international endorsement from entities such as the European Union, Japan, and China. Despite the efforts, the counter-proposal does not include a role for Hamas, which governs Gaza, and has faced rejection from both the United States and Israel.
In a related development, Syria was readmitted to the OIC, marking a significant step towards its reintegration in regional and global discussions following years of civil conflict under Bashar Assad’s leadership. This move reflects a shift towards recognizing Syria’s position in international diplomacy.
In conclusion, the OIC’s endorsement of the Egyptian counter-proposal and the establishment of a trust fund for Gaza reconstruction signify a united Arab front in response to U.S. policy regarding the region. The emphasis on the two-state solution underscores a commitment to peace and stability, while the readmission of Syria to the OIC indicates a potential shift in regional diplomatic relations. The international community’s involvement is deemed crucial for the success of these initiatives, highlighting the urgent need for collaboration to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
