Arab, Muslim leaders tell Trump ending Gaza war 1st step toward just, lasting peace

By Tarek Chouiref

ISTANBUL (AA) – Arab and Muslim leaders told US President Donald Trump that ending the Israeli war in Gaza is the first step toward achieving a just and lasting peace, Saudi Arabia said Wednesday.

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 emphasized the need for a stabilization 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 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (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.

The summit, initiated by Trump and co-hosted with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

UN investigators recently concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, where more than 65,400 people have been killed since October 2023.