Foreign ministers from Muslim-majority countries have rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to resettle Gaza’s Palestinian population elsewhere and have endorsed an Egyptian-backed plan to rebuild the war-torn territory.
OIC Rejects Displacement, Supports New Administration for Gaza
At a special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia, ministers from 57 Muslim-majority nations condemned forced displacement as “ethnic cleansing, a grave violation of international law, and a crime against humanity.”
The gathering backed a proposal for an administrative committee under the Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern Gaza, replacing Hamas. The plan, supported by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, aims to facilitate reconstruction. However, Israel has rejected the PA’s involvement, raising concerns over who will govern the territory post-war.
Hamas Reports ‘Positive Signals’ in Ceasefire Talks
Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled progress in Cairo-mediated talks with Egypt and Qatar over the second phase of a ceasefire deal. The first phase, which ended last weekend, saw the release of 25 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, Israel has blocked all supplies into Gaza since Sunday, insisting Hamas agree to its revised deal: releasing half the remaining hostages in exchange for another temporary truce.
International Response and Ceasefire Challenges
The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and Britain welcomed the Arab plan for Gaza, calling it “a realistic path.” They agreed that Hamas should no longer govern the enclave but did not specify how it should be replaced.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel’s campaign began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 hostages taken.
Despite the fragile truce, Israeli airstrikes continue, with two Palestinians killed in Rafah early Saturday. With no clear resolution in sight, tensions remain high over Gaza’s future governance and humanitarian crisis.
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