Foreign ministers from eight nations met in New York on September 21 to demand Israel adhere to the initial phase of a comprehensive Gaza peace plan. The group called for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and the maintenance of the current ceasefire.
What happened
The ministers from Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia convened during the United Nations General Assembly. Their joint statement emphasized that the second phase of the roadmap must be executed as an integrated package. This includes a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the deployment of an international stabilization force, and the transfer of administrative authority to a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
Why it matters
The coalition rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians or attempts to alter the territory’s demographic character. They condemned settlement expansion and actions they claim threaten the status of holy sites in Jerusalem.
Background
The group has repeatedly opposed Israeli settlement policies. They recently endorsed British measures restricting imports from settlements and called for similar international actions.
What comes next
The ministers urged all parties to fulfill their obligations in good faith. They stated that Gaza must remain part of Palestinian territory, aiming for eventual reunification with the West Bank and East Jerusalem.