On Friday, December 5, 2025, foreign ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar issued a strong joint statement against Israel's one-directional reopening of the Rafah Crossing. The ministers voiced deep concern over recent Israeli remarks to allow only Gazans to exit and not return.
In their shared declaration, the coalition underscored the need to honor the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which guarantees two-way passage at Rafah to preserve freedom of movement for Gaza's residents. They emphasized that maintaining both entries and exits is essential to let Palestinians stay connected to their land and play an active role in rebuilding their homes.
The statement highlighted four key priorities: uphold the current ceasefire, ease civilian suffering, ensure unrestricted humanitarian access and kick off early recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Ministers also called for conditions that would enable the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities, paving the way for lasting security and stability in the region.
Israel announced on Wednesday that it plans to reopen the crossing under October's ceasefire agreement with Hamas, but only in one direction. Egypt's government denied any coordination with Israel on the move. Since May 2024, when Israeli forces took full control of the Palestinian side, Rafah has been mostly closed. Before then, it served as Gaza's main exit and a critical entry point for humanitarian aid.
As Gaza stands at a crossroads, the push for two-way movement at Rafah is emerging as a litmus test for regional unity and humanitarian norms. Observers say the outcome could shape the broader landscape of recovery and diplomacy in the months ahead.
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Arab, Muslim countries oppose Israel's one-way Rafah reopening plan
cgtn.com
