Key diplomats convened in Cairo on Saturday to discuss the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Arab League and Palestinian Authority officials, welcomed the continuing exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, on the day of the fourth such swap. Israel released 183 Palestinians on Saturday afternoon in exchange for three Israeli hostages freed by Hamas in Gaza earlier in the day.
A communique issued after the ministerial meeting in Cairo praised long-term mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar, and recognised the role the US played in forging the ceasefire agreement currently in place. The ministers stressed support for the two-state solution and a desire to work with the new US administration.
UAE news agency Wam said the ministers “emphasised their support for efforts to ensure the implementation of all phases of the ceasefire agreement, securing unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza, ensuring full Israeli military withdrawal and rejecting any attempts to divide the Gaza Strip”.
Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, Israel has lifted its blockade on the entry of aid into Gaza. The communique also expressed support for UNRWA, the main provider of humanitarian aid and other public services for Palestinians, and “categorically rejected” any attempt to undermine its role.
The ministers emphasised the importance of implementing a comprehensive reconstruction process, noting that Egypt is scheduled to host a UN summit on the rehabilitation of the enclave.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said that there was “almost nothing left” of Gaza and reconstruction could take 10 to 15 years.
The communique also noted that Saudi Arabia and France will co-chair a conference on the two-state solution in June.
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