Riyadh: The Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza, led by Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, held a virtual meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine. The meeting included participation from Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayman Safadi, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Palestinian representation included Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. The Committee informed President Abbas about its international efforts to secure an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, lift the blockade, and address the humanitarian situation. They also discussed the upcoming High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, planned for June in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. This conference aims to advance the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Committee expressed support for mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. It urged Israel to allow humanitarian and medical aid into the region and to grant access to UN agencies, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The Committee also demanded an end to the escalation in the West Bank.
Additionally, the Committee highlighted the importance of the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza, planned to take place in Cairo immediately after a ceasefire. This conference aims to implement the reconstruction plan from the Arab Emergency Summit in Cairo on March 4, 2025.
The Committee reiterated its support for the Palestinian National Authority and commended President Abbas's reform initiatives. It condemned Israel's obstruction of the Committee's planned visit to Ramallah, labeling it a diplomatic violation and a hindrance to peace efforts and the Palestinian reform agenda. This was seen as part of Israel's policies that obstruct humanitarian aid to Gaza and broader peace efforts.
President Abbas expressed his gratitude for the Committee's efforts to gather international support to end the Gaza conflict, ease the humanitarian crisis, and promote the two-state solution. He conveyed hope for the success of the upcoming international conference and for increased global recognition of the State of Palestine.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to reform and called for international support in political, economic, and security areas. Abbas also urged Israel to release withheld Palestinian funds.
Finally, President Abbas confirmed his dedication to non-violence and civilian protection, aiming for peace and security with the cooperation of Arab and international partners. He expressed hope for the Committee's future in-person visit to Palestinian territories.