Foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar issued a joint statement on Sunday welcoming recent moves by Hamas in support of a US-backed plan to end the devastating war in Gaza. The ministers also welcomed US President Donald Trump's call on Israel for an immediate halt to bombing and the swift implementation of a prisoner exchange agreement aimed at securing the release of all hostages — alive or deceased. They described these developments as "a real opportunity" to negotiate a sustainable ceasefire and tackle the severe humanitarian crisis gripping the people in the Gaza Strip. Highlighting a significant political development, the ministers also endorsed Hamas' announcement that it is prepared to hand over Gaza's administration to a transitional Palestinian committee composed of independent technocrats. They urged the immediate commencement of negotiations to establish clear mechanisms to implement the proposal. In their statement, the ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to ending the conflict quickly, stressing the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian aid access, the release of captives, and the restoration of Palestinian Authority control in Gaza as part of broader efforts to unify Gaza with the West Bank. They welcomed "the announcement by Hamas of its readiness to hand over the administration of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian Administrative Committee of independent technocrats." the statement read. The ministers emphasised on the need for "the immediate launch of negotiations to agree on mechanisms to implement the proposal, and address all of its aspects." The statement called for a security framework that protects civilians on all sides, ensures a full Israeli withdrawal, supports Gaza's reconstruction, and lays the foundation for a just and lasting peace grounded in the long-sought two-state solution. As the conflict enters a critical phase, the collective voice of these influential Arab and Muslim nations reflects growing regional pressure for a diplomatic resolution amid mounting international concern. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
