AMMAN, JORDAN – Foreign ministers from key Arab nations – including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, and representatives from the Palestinian Authority – met here to discuss strategies for ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The meeting, held on Saturday, was aimed at coordinating efforts to halt the hostilities between Israel and Hamas and address the resulting humanitarian crisis.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement detailing the participation of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in the meeting, which focused on achieving a ceasefire and mitigating the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by the arrival of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jordan on Friday, following discussions with Israeli officials.
The summit with Arab diplomats reinforced their collective call for an end to the aggression against Gaza, emphasizing the international community’s role in stopping military operations and the bloodshed of unarmed civilians.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani highlighted the need for concerted diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire and ensure the permanent opening of the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinian population.
The ministers and Blinken discussed the repercussions of the conflict and the Arab position advocating for an immediate ceasefire and swift humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Sheikh Mohamed urged the international community to fulfill its moral and legal obligations to protect the Palestinian people and compel Israel to adhere to international law and humanitarian standards.
The meeting also addressed the dire situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, stressing the importance of international intervention to stop military actions and find a just and comprehensive solution for the people.
Health officials in Gaza reported a devastating toll, with over 9,488 Palestinians killed, including a significant number of children and women, and thousands wounded or trapped under rubble due to the Israeli assault.
King Abdullah II of Jordan, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, welcomed the foreign ministers and discussed intensifying the humanitarian response to civilian needs.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, conveyed greetings from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for Jordan’s King, with reciprocal good wishes exchanged between the leaders.
The conflict has seen Israel continue its bombardment of residential areas, hospitals and vital infrastructure in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian situation under a blockade that restricts essential resources.
The health sector, in particular, faces dire challenges due to the siege.
As the conflict enters its 29th day, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring an end to the violence and suffering.