Foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, alongside representatives from Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, China and Russia, convened in Antalya on April 11 to push for concrete steps towards implementing the two-State solution and ending the war in Gaza. In a joint communique, the participants expressed grave concern over the worsening situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), condemning Israeli military actions that have caused mass civilian casualties and destroyed critical infrastructure. They called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire aligned with UN resolutions and backed the agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the US in January for a truce and the release of detainees. The meeting denounced the forced displacement of Palestinians and the weaponisation of aid, insisting on unrestricted humanitarian access and restoration of essential services in Gaza. It reaffirmed support for the UN agency UNRWA and rejected any efforts to replace it. Ministers underlined the urgency of resuming political talks, stressing the central role of the Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. They endorsed Egypt's reconstruction plan and supported an upcoming international recovery conference in Cairo. The Antalya meeting also backed a planned international peace conference in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, to mobilise efforts for a just resolution. It reaffirmed commitment to the June 4, 1967 borders, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the principle of land for peace as foundations for establishing a Palestinian state and ensuring regional peace. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
