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.
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, amid pushback from Russia and China. 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 “may” be 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 even decided whether he’ll back a two-state solution. Israel is vehemently opposed to the two-state framework. (Read More)
