The foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar met in Doha on Wednesday to discuss Arab support for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The meeting, which was also attended by Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Secretary-General Hussein al-Sheikh, focused on coordinating efforts to address recent developments on the Palestinian issue, according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
The key talks focused on aligning Arab positions following recent emergency summits, including the Arab League meeting in Cairo and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Jeddah. Participants reviewed strategies to mobilize and secure financing for the Arab-Islamic early recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza and ensure the preservation of Palestinian residency and stability in the area.
Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian assistance, reconstruction efforts and long-term political solutions, stressing the need for continued diplomatic engagement. The foreign ministers also met with the US Special Representative for the Middle East to emphasize the importance of international cooperation in rebuilding Gaza and achieving a sustainable peace process.
The ministers reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, stressing that a just and comprehensive peace must be based on a two-state solution that fulfills Palestinians’ aspirations for freedom and independence. Egypt reaffirmed its opposition to attempts to change the demographic structure of Gaza and stressed the need for an Arab-led reconstruction initiative.
The Arab world rejected external proposals that propose the resettlement or forced displacement of Palestinians, and Cairo reaffirmed its opposition to any plan that undermines Palestinian sovereignty. The approved Arab reconstruction plan, estimated to cost $53 billion over five years, aims to rebuild Gaza while protecting Palestinian rights.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 48,500 people, mostly women and children. While a ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement in January brought a temporary end to hostilities, concerns about the humanitarian situation remain.
Egypt continues to play a key role in diplomatic efforts to secure peace, facilitate humanitarian assistance and ensure long-term stability in the region, working with regional and international partners to support the Palestinian cause.