Arab and Muslim leaders told US President Donald Trump that ending the Israeli war in Gaza is the first step towards achieving a just and lasting peace, Saudi Arabia said yesterday.
A joint statement released by the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the leaders described the gathering, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, as “important,” highlighting the unbearable humanitarian catastrophe and heavy loss of life in Gaza, as well as the grave consequences for regional stability and the wider Muslim world.
They reiterated their rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians and called for allowing those who fled to return.
The leaders urged an immediate ceasefire that would secure the release of hostages and enable the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid, framing this as the foundation for a broader peace effort.
They also emphasised the need for a stabilisation roadmap covering the West Bank and Jerusalem’s holy sites, while voicing support for reform efforts within the Palestinian Authority.
The statement further backed a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza under an Arab and Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) framework, with international support to strengthen Palestinian leadership.
Participants pledged to work collectively to ensure the success of rebuilding efforts and restore normal life for Gaza’s population.
They also emphasised the importance of security arrangements, with international assistance to support the Palestinian leadership.
The summit, initiated by Trump and co-hosted with Qatar’s Amir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Jordan’s King Abdullah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Sources told Al Arabiya English Trump pledged to Arab and Gulf leaders not to allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank.
Regional officials have repeatedly warned that any annexation could further inflame the conflict and jeopardise normalisation agreements.
Israel’s government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has constantly vowed to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state and has signalled its intent to expand control over occupied territory.
The UAE has openly declared that annexation of the West Bank would cross a red line for Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces pushed towards the heart of Gaza City yesterday. Medics said at least 50 people were killed across Gaza, mostly in Gaza City, where Israeli air strikes hit a shelter housing displaced families near a market in the middle of the city.
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