In a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, influential Muslim-majority nations are uniting to address humanitarian crises in Gaza. The recent announcement by Israel regarding the one-way opening of the Rafah border crossing has sparked significant concern among neighboring countries and allies, raising urgent calls for balanced solutions that respect the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. With this context, the foreign ministers of eight key nations are taking a firm stand against policies perceived to exacerbate the ongoing conflict.
Egypt, Qatar, and six other Muslim-majority nations have voiced strong objections to Israel’s proposed one-way opening of the Rafah border crossing, a decision they argue is aimed at forcibly displacing the Palestinian people from their homeland. This declaration comes amid rampant violations of the ceasefire by Israeli forces, which have reportedly exceeded 600 incidents in just seven weeks. The foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, Qatar, Turkiye, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement articulating their “deep concern” over Israel’s unilateral military announcement, which allows the potential exodus of Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt while restricting their return and blocking much-needed humanitarian aid.
This announcement, made by the Israeli military unit known as the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), infringes upon previously established obligations under a U.S.-led peace initiative, raising questions about its legitimacy. The foreign ministers unequivocally rejected any efforts to displace Palestinians from their territory, emphasizing that Israel must adhere to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comprehensive peace plan that stipulates the Rafah crossing should operate in both directions for humanitarian purposes.
The Rafah crossing has remained largely closed throughout the ongoing conflict, complicating the entry of vital aid and the medical evacuation of the injured. Since the ceasefire instated on October 10 under Trump’s plan, Israeli authorities have stalled humanitarian efforts, citing conditions such as the return of captives’ bodies as barriers to reopening the crossing. However, the ministers highlighted their appreciation for Trump’s peace efforts, which envision a technocratic Palestinian government supported by an international stabilization force to promote enduring peace.
Moreover, there is a call from these nations for a clear, actionable framework to ensure Palestinian governance and self-determination, including the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state encompassing Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Despite pushback from Israeli sources, discussions for an international stabilization force have gained traction, reflecting a unified desire among Muslim countries to foster stability and support for Palestinian rights while pursuing long-term solutions in a historically tumultuous region.
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