Cairo: The Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee convened with H.E. Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to discuss the escalating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The meeting centered on the recent breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza and the rising civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the parties condemned the resumption of hostilities and targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. They called for an immediate return to the ceasefire-hostage and detainees release agreement, initially brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which took effect on January 19th. The committee emphasized the need for the complete respect of international humanitarian law, including unrestricted humanitarian aid and restoration of essential services in Gaza.

The parties expressed support for the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan adopted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and endorsed by the European Council. They highlighted the plan’s assurance of the Palestinian people’s right to remain in their territory and rejected any form of displacement or expulsion from Gaza and the West Bank.

The committee underscored the importance of the upcoming Conference on the Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza in Cairo, urging international support to mobilize resources to address the dire situation. They emphasized the need for unity between Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority’s administration, reinforcing the territorial integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory based on the 1967 lines.

Expressing concern over Israeli military actions in the West Bank, the parties reiterated the necessity for Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law and rejected any unilateral measures altering the status of Jerusalem. They reaffirmed their commitment to a political resolution based on the two-state solution, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence as outlined in relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to convene a UN High Level International Conference in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, to advance these peace initiatives.