Eight Nations Unite Behind Ceasefire Bid
On Sunday, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar issued a joint statement praising Hamas’s willingness to engage with U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to pause the war in Gaza. The foreign ministers of these eight countries welcomed steps toward ending hostilities, releasing hostages, and negotiating on implementation mechanisms.
A Transitional Administration on the Table
Hamas announced its readiness to transfer Gaza’s administration to a temporary Palestinian technocrat committee, a move hailed by the ministers as a pathway to concrete talks. This transitional team is expected to iron out details on how the ceasefire proposal could work on the ground, from halting bombardments to securing humanitarian corridors.
Peace Push Gains Momentum
The statement also applauded Trump’s call for an immediate bombing halt and the swift execution of a hostage-prisoner exchange. The ministers said these developments represent a real opportunity for a sustainable ceasefire and to tackle the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza by ensuring unrestricted aid and civilian protection.
Roadmap for a Two-State Future
Beyond the ceasefire, the eight nations reaffirmed support for a unified Palestinian Authority in both Gaza and the West Bank, a full Israeli withdrawal, and Gaza’s reconstruction. This outlook aligns with a broader push toward a two-state solution that secures lasting peace and stability in the region.
Next Steps in Diplomacy
Following the joint declaration, Egypt announced it will host Israeli and Hamas delegations to finalize arrangements and logistics for the proposed hostage exchange. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health authorities report more than 67,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 170,000 injured since October 2023, underlining the urgent need to transform diplomatic momentum into real relief.
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8 Arab, Muslim countries welcome Hamas' response to Trump's Gaza plan
cgtn.com
