🚨 This Friday, foreign ministers from eight Arab and Muslim countries issued a joint statement against Israel's one-way reopening plan for the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
In a show of solidarity, ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar rejected any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians. They urged adherence to the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which calls for the Rafah Crossing to remain open in both directions, ensuring freedom of movement for Gaza's residents.
"The plan aims to let Palestinians stay on their land and take part in rebuilding their homeland," the statement read. "It's essential to restore stability, improve humanitarian conditions and maintain the ceasefire." ✊🤝
The ministers highlighted key priorities:
- Easing civilian suffering with unrestricted humanitarian access
- Launching early recovery and reconstruction
- Empowering the Palestinian Authority to resume responsibilities in Gaza
Israel announced on Wednesday it would reopen the crossing in the coming days but only in one direction, allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza without the option to return. Egypt's government denied coordinating on the plan.
Since May 2024, the Rafah Crossing has largely been closed after Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side. Before that, it was Gaza's main exit point and a vital entry for humanitarian aid. 🛂🌍
With tensions high, Arab and Muslim countries are calling for a balanced, two-way solution to keep hope and aid flowing into Gaza.
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Arab, Muslim countries oppose Israel's one-way Rafah reopening plan
cgtn.com
