The Organization of Islamic Cooperation endorsed an Arab League counter-proposal to President Trump’s plan for Gaza, emphasizing reconstruction under Palestinian authority. The initiative promotes a peaceful two-state solution and addresses concerns about the displacement of Palestinians. During the meeting, Syria was also readmitted to OIC discussions, marking an important diplomatic step.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) endorsed an alternative plan proposed by the Arab League to counter a controversial proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Gaza. The decision was made during an emergency meeting convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, just days after the Arab League ratified Trump’s plan at a summit in Cairo. The Egyptian alternative proposes a reconstruction of Gaza under the Palestinian Authority’s administration.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that the OIC’s adoption of the Egyptian plan signifies it has become an Arab-Islamic initiative. He expressed that this development is undoubtedly a positive advancement. Trump’s initial proposal to “take over” Gaza and displace its residents had triggered a significant international backlash.
As the OIC meeting addressed recent conflicts related to the Israeli-Palestinian situation, Cameroonian Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella urged that an effective resolution requires a multilateral approach, ensuring peace through the two-state solution where Israel and Palestine coexist. He emphasized that meaningful steps should focus on establishing stability within recognized borders.
Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara criticized the displacement plans as “provocative, brutal, and inhumane.” He urged the international community to strengthen efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire, reiterating the necessity for a two-state solution for lasting peace. Furthermore, he expressed concerns over Israeli laws limiting UNRWA’s operations in Gaza, which he held as violating international norms.
OIC Secretary General Hissein Ibrahim Taha asserted support for Gaza’s reconstruction and the Palestinian right to remain in their homeland. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts towards a ceasefire, humanitarian aid delivery, and the unification of Palestinian territories. At the Cairo summit, leaders announced the establishment of a trust fund for Gaza’s reconstruction, calling on the international community for support.
While the counter-proposal aims for international backing, it notably lacks a role for Hamas, the entity governing Gaza, resulting in its rejection by both Israel and the United States. Nevertheless, Trump’s envoy regarded the Egyptian proposal as a positive commitment. Amid these discussions, OIC welcomed back Syria, marking an important step for its reintegration into regional communities.
In summary, the OIC’s endorsement of the Egyptian-led counter-proposal presents a unified Arab response to U.S. intentions regarding Gaza. The proposal aims to facilitate peace through a two-state solution, emphasizing reconstruction without displacing Palestinian residents. This meeting also symbolizes a renewed commitment to regional collaboration, especially following Syria’s readmission into OIC discussions. There remains, however, significant hurdles in garnering support for the plan on an international stage, particularly in the absence of Hamas’s involvement.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
