Istanbul: Eight countries on Sunday criticized Israel's rejection of a roadmap aimed at implementing US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza conflict, stating that the decision threatens efforts for lasting peace, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
According to Nam News Network, the foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement condemning Israel's refusal to accept the roadmap and its rejection of Palestinian statehood.
The ministers described Israel's stance as "a direct repudiation" of Trump's Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. They warned that Israel's rejection jeopardizes the plan's implementation and undermines efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The statement emphasized that Israel "now bears responsibility for obstructing the efforts to bring peace in Gaza and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory." The ministers highlighted that the roadmap, endorsed by Palestinian factions, was developed through significant mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, the US, and the High Representative of Gaza and the Board of Peace.
The roadmap is seen as crucial for the decommissioning of weapons, withdrawal of Israeli forces, deployment of an International Stabilization Force, transfer of administrative authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and reconstruction of the region.
The ministers cautioned that rejecting the roadmap equates to a refusal to implement Trump's plan, potentially derailing US efforts to end the war and establish lasting peace. They stressed the need for "sustained and active US engagement" to ensure Israel's compliance with the plan and prevent further obstruction.
The statement attributed "direct and full responsibility" to Israel for any consequences arising from continued rejection, obstruction, delay, or non-compliance, including any deterioration on the ground or disruption of peace efforts.
The ministers also called for the immediate implementation of the plan to address Gaza's humanitarian situation, ensure security and stability, and facilitate reconstruction and recovery. They reiterated their support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, rejecting any attempts to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state through unilateral actions.
The statement concluded by asserting that "a just, lasting and comprehensive peace will only be achieved by implementing the two-state solution, realizing an independent and sovereign Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital."
The ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Board of Peace's role and urged all parties to support its efforts to implement the roadmap and advance the second phase of Trump's plan. They called on the board, with US support, to take "immediate and concrete measures" to preserve the plan's integrity and prevent any obstruction.