Statement backed by regional powers urges UN to approve resolution on forming stabilization force; Witkoff said planning to meet soon with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya
Times of Israel
In a joint statement arranged by the US on Friday, multiple countries working toward an end to the Gaza conflict voiced backing for Washington’s UN Security Council resolution to establish an International Stabilization Force in Gaza.
The statement, supported by Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey, noted that the process ‘offers a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.’
‘We emphasize that this is a sincere effort, and the Plan provides a viable path towards peace and stability, not only between the Israelis and the Palestinians, but for the entire region,’ the joint statement continued. We are looking forward to this resolution’s swift adoption.’
US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan states that the conditions are in place for ‘a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood’ while ‘Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out.’
Friday’s joint statement appeared to go further than the text of the plan by not leaving the question of a political horizon up for debate, possibly meeting a demand by signatories to the statement.
Despite the language of the 20-point plan, Trump has gone on the record in recent weeks saying that he hasn’t decided yet whether he’ll back a two-state solution. Israel is vehemently opposed to the two-state framework.
Thursday saw Washington publicly call on fellow members of the UN Security Council to back Washington’s resolution to establish an International Stabilization Force in Gaza.
Friday’s statement also came as the US was said to be pressing Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel. As a condition for moving forward on establishing official relations, Riyadh has insisted that Israel commit to Palestinian statehood.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the joint statement, which it said ‘affirms the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, the establishment of their independent Palestinian state and the pursuit of peace, security and stability between Palestinians and Israelis, and stresses that this should be in accordance with international law.’
‘The State of Palestine reaffirms its readiness to assume its full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, within the framework of unity of the land, people and institutions, which considers the Strip an integral part of the State of Palestine,’ the PA added.