OIC Endorses Arab League Proposal for Gaza Reconstruction

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation endorsed an Arab League counter-proposal, replacing Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza, emphasizing reconstruction under Palestinian Authority governance and rejecting forced displacements. The plan seeks international support and recognizes the need for a two-state solution to achieve peace in the region.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recently endorsed an Arab League counter-proposal to US President Donald Trump’s plan regarding Gaza, which has faced international backlash. This decision was made during an emergency meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, shortly after the Arab League ratified the plan in Cairo. The new Egyptian alternative proposes the reconstruction of Gaza under the administration of the Palestinian Authority.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty articulated support for the plan, now termed an Arab-Islamic proposal, emphasizing its positive nature. Trump’s remarks about taking over Gaza sparked significant controversy, suggesting the forced relocation of Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan. Cameroonian Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella noted that the emergency meeting addressed recent developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, advocating for a comprehensive resolution via a multilateral approach that respects the two-state solution.

Mamadou Tangara, the Gambia’s foreign minister, condemned the plans to displace Palestinians as inhumane, urging the international community to work towards a lasting ceasefire and recognize the necessity of a two-state solution for regional stability. He expressed dismay over Israeli actions that contravene international law and the UN Charter, particularly laws obstructing UN support for Palestinian refugees.

OIC Secretary General Hissein Ibrahim Taha supported the reconstruction efforts for Gaza while underscoring Palestinians’ right to remain in their homeland. He called for unified efforts to ensure humanitarian assistance and the return of displaced persons, alongside enabling the Palestinian government to fulfill its responsibilities.

At the Cairo summit, the Arab League also proposed a trust fund for Gaza’s reconstruction and sought international backing for this initiative. Abdelatty detailed that they aim to secure broad international support for the plan, including engagements with entities like the European Union, Russia, and China, although the proposal lacks an established role for Hamas and has faced rejection from both the US and Israel.

Despite the criticisms of Trump’s initial plan, a representative from the US expressed measured positivity towards the Egyptian initiative, acknowledging it as a constructive step. Alongside these discussions, Syria was readmitted into the OIC, marking its reintegration into regional politics following years of suspension due to its civil war.

The OIC’s endorsement of the Arab League’s counter-proposal signifies a unified stance against the controversial aspects of Trump’s plan for Gaza. This document emphasizes a commitment to rebuilding Gaza under Palestinian governance while advocating for the cessation of forced displacements. Additionally, the discussions highlight the necessity of a two-state solution as essential for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com