Ankara: Eight countries on Sunday condemned Israel's rejection of a roadmap for completing the implementation of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza conflict, saying the move jeopardizes efforts to achieve lasting peace, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
According to Nam News Network, in a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Trkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates condemned Israel's declared rejection of the roadmap, as well as its rejection of Palestinian statehood. The ministers stated that these positions amount to "a direct repudiation" of Trump's Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
The ministers expressed concern that Israel's rejection jeopardizes the plan's implementation and "fundamentally undermines the collective efforts undertaken to achieve a just and lasting peace." They emphasized that such rejection confirms Israel's responsibility for obstructing peace efforts in Gaza and other occupied territories.
They highlighted that the roadmap, which Palestinian factions have accepted, was the result of extensive mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, Trkiye, and the US, along with the High Representative of Gaza and the Board of Peace. The roadmap is seen as a crucial step toward disarmament, withdrawal of Israeli forces, deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, transfer of administrative authority, and reconstruction of Gaza.
The ministers warned that rejecting the roadmap equates to an explicit refusal to proceed with Trump's plan's implementation, threatening to derail US peace efforts. They stressed the need for "sustained and active US engagement" to ensure Israel's compliance with the plan's commitments and to prevent further obstruction.
The statement held Israel "directly and fully responsible" for any consequences arising from continued rejection or non-compliance, including potential deterioration on the ground or disruption of efforts to end the Gaza conflict. The ministers called for the roadmap's full and immediate implementation to address the humanitarian situation, ensure stability, and facilitate reconstruction.
Reaffirming their support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. They reiterated that peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution, envisioning an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The ministers emphasized the Board of Peace's continued role and called on all parties to support its efforts in implementing the roadmap and advancing Trump's plan's second phase. They urged the board, with active US support, to take "immediate and concrete measures" to preserve the plan's integrity and prevent obstruction.