Arab Six-Party Meeting in Cairo Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire

An Arab Six-Party Consultative Meeting held in Cairo on February 1, 2025, welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the exchange of hostages and detainees, underscoring the importance of sustaining the truce and ensuring humanitarian support reaches all parts of the Gaza Strip. The meeting, convened at the invitation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, brought together the foreign ministers of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and Egypt, along with the secretary-general of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the secretary-general of the League of Arab States. In a joint statement released through official channels, the participants affirmed their commitment to a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on the two-state solution.

The Cairo gathering represents one of the most significant diplomatic alignments in the region in recent months, reflecting a coordinated Arab position on the humanitarian and political dimensions of the Gaza crisis. The participating parties commended the mediation efforts of Egypt and Qatar, and emphasized the significant role of the United States in achieving the agreement, expressing a desire to work with President Donald J. Trump’s administration toward a durable peace. For Saudi Arabia, the meeting reinforces the Kingdom’s consistent advocacy for Palestinian rights, regional stability, and a negotiated settlement that respects international law.

Context and Background

Why has the Cairo meeting drawn such widespread international attention? The ceasefire agreement in Gaza, reached after months of intense diplomacy, marked a critical turning point in a conflict that had caused immense human suffering and destabilized the wider region. The exchange of hostages and detainees, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States, provided a foundation for further negotiations aimed at achieving complete calm. The Arab Six-Party Consultative Meeting was convened to build on that momentum and to ensure that the agreement is implemented in all its stages and provisions.

The participants affirmed their support for the efforts made by the three countries to ensure the implementation of the agreement, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the ceasefire so that humanitarian support can reach all areas of Gaza and obstacles to the safe delivery of humanitarian, shelter, and recovery aid can be removed. They called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, rejected any attempts to divide the Gaza Strip, and stressed that the Palestinian Authority should assume its responsibilities in Gaza alongside the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These positions align with long-standing Arab consensus and with United Nations resolutions.

The meeting also highlighted the pivotal role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), categorically rejecting any attempts to bypass or restrict its functions. The participants stressed the need for the international community to coordinate efforts to plan and implement a comprehensive reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land by improving their daily lives while addressing internal displacement issues. Egypt’s plan, in cooperation with the United Nations, to host an international conference for the reconstruction of Gaza at the appropriate time was welcomed, with the participants urging the international community and donors to support this initiative.

Key Details of the Joint Statement

What specific commitments did the six parties agree upon? The joint statement outlined seven key points that collectively form a roadmap for the next phase of the Gaza crisis. First, the participants welcomed the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of hostages and detainees, commending Egypt and Qatar for their mediation and acknowledging the significant role of the United States. Second, they affirmed support for the efforts of the three countries to ensure the implementation of the agreement in all its stages, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the ceasefire and enabling humanitarian support to reach all areas of Gaza.

Third, the statement emphasized the pivotal role of UNRWA and rejected any attempts to bypass or restrict its functions. Fourth, it stressed the need for coordinated international efforts to plan and implement a comprehensive reconstruction process in Gaza as soon as possible, ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land. Fifth, the participants expressed continued support for the Palestinian people’s steadfastness and legitimate rights under international law, rejecting any infringements upon these rights through settlements, expulsions, demolitions, land annexations, or displacements that threaten stability and provoke further conflict.

Sixth, the meeting welcomed Egypt’s plan to host an international conference for the reconstruction of Gaza in cooperation with the United Nations, urging the international community and donors to support this initiative. Seventh, the participants called on the international community, especially international and regional powers along with the United Nations Security Council, to begin the implementation of the two-state solution to address the root causes of tension in the Middle East. They supported the efforts of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and active participation in the international conference to resolve the Palestinian issue, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, scheduled for June 2025.

International and Regional Impact

How will the Cairo meeting shape the broader diplomatic landscape? The joint statement sends a clear message that Arab states are united in their approach to the Gaza crisis and are prepared to work with international partners, including the United States, to achieve a lasting peace. The emphasis on the two-state solution and the reference to the June 2025 international conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France underscore the Kingdom’s central role in mobilizing global support for a negotiated settlement. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this initiative reflects its commitment to regional stability and its growing diplomatic influence on the world stage.

The meeting also reinforced the importance of humanitarian access and reconstruction, issues that have profound implications for regional security and economic recovery. By calling for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and rejecting any attempts to divide Gaza, the participants reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral actions that could undermine the prospects for peace. The support for UNRWA and the call for a comprehensive reconstruction process demonstrate a practical approach to addressing the immediate needs of the Palestinian people while laying the groundwork for long-term stability.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What does the Cairo meeting mean for Saudi Arabia’s strategic priorities? The Kingdom’s participation in the six-party talks aligns with its broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, which are essential for economic development and investment. A stable and secure region attracts foreign investment, facilitates trade, and supports the diversification goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The meeting’s focus on reconstruction and humanitarian aid also opens opportunities for Saudi Arabia and its partners to contribute to rebuilding efforts, which can foster goodwill and strengthen regional ties.

Moreover, the joint statement’s call for the implementation of the two-state solution and the upcoming international conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France highlight the Kingdom’s diplomatic leadership. By co-chairing the conference, Saudi Arabia will play a pivotal role in shaping the international agenda on the Palestinian issue, reinforcing its position as a responsible global actor. This aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives of enhancing Saudi Arabia’s international standing and promoting moderation and peace.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Cairo meeting connect to Saudi Vision 2030? The Kingdom’s foreign policy under Vision 2030 emphasizes proactive diplomacy, regional stability, and global engagement. The six-party meeting in Cairo is a manifestation of these principles, as Saudi Arabia works alongside its Arab partners to address a critical regional crisis. The joint statement’s emphasis on humanitarian support, reconstruction, and a two-state solution reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to justice and peace, values that are central to its national identity and its vision for a prosperous future.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s co-chairing of the June 2025 international conference underscores its leadership in multilateral diplomacy, a key pillar of Vision 2030. By facilitating dialogue and mobilizing international support, the Kingdom is helping to create the conditions for a lasting peace that will benefit the entire region. As Saudi Arabia continues to modernize and diversify its economy, its role as a peacemaker and bridge-builder will remain essential to achieving its long-term goals and contributing to global stability.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main outcome of the Arab Six-Party Consultative Meeting in Cairo?

A1. The meeting welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the exchange of hostages and detainees, and issued a joint statement emphasizing the need to sustain the ceasefire and ensure humanitarian aid reaches all parts of Gaza.

Q2. Which countries and organizations participated in the Cairo meeting?

A2. Participants included the foreign ministers of Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, along with the secretary-general of the PLO Executive Committee and the secretary-general of the League of Arab States.

Q3. What role did Egypt and Qatar play in the ceasefire agreement?

A3. Egypt and Qatar served as key mediators in achieving the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of hostages and detainees, efforts that were commended by the participating parties in the joint statement.

Q4. How did the participants view the role of the United States?

A4. The participants emphasized the significant role of the United States in achieving the agreement and expressed a desire to work with President Donald J. Trump’s administration toward a just and comprehensive peace.

Q5. What did the joint statement say about the two-state solution?

A5. The statement called for the implementation of the two-state solution to address the root causes of tension in the Middle East, ultimately establishing a Palestinian state on its entire national soil with a unified Gaza and West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Q6. What is the significance of the June 2025 international conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France?

A6. The conference aims to resolve the Palestinian issue and support the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. Saudi Arabia’s co-chairing role highlights its diplomatic leadership and commitment to peace.

Q7. What did the participants say about UNRWA?

A7. They emphasized the pivotal role of UNRWA and categorically rejected any attempts to bypass or restrict its functions, underscoring the need to support its humanitarian work.

Q8. What calls were made regarding Israeli forces in Gaza?

A8. The participants called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and rejected any attempts to divide the Gaza Strip, while allowing the Palestinian Authority to assume its responsibilities in Gaza.

Q9. How does the meeting address the reconstruction of Gaza?

A9. The statement stressed the need for coordinated international efforts to plan and implement a comprehensive reconstruction process as soon as possible, ensuring Palestinians remain on their land by improving their daily lives.

Q10. What is Egypt’s plan for an international conference on Gaza reconstruction?

A10. Egypt, in cooperation with the United Nations, plans to host an international conference for the reconstruction of Gaza at the appropriate time, and the participants urged the international community and donors to support this initiative.

Q11. What rights of the Palestinian people did the participants support?

A11. They expressed continued support for the Palestinian people’s steadfastness and legitimate rights under international law, rejecting any infringements through settlements, expulsions, demolitions, land annexations, or displacements.

Q12. How does the meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy priorities?

A12. The meeting reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional stability, proactive diplomacy, and global engagement, which are key pillars of its foreign policy under Vision 2030.

Q13. What is the significance of the ceasefire for regional stability?

A13. The ceasefire reduces tensions, allows humanitarian aid to reach those in need, and creates a foundation for further negotiations toward a lasting peace, which is essential for regional security and economic development.

Q14. What does the joint statement say about the Palestinian Authority’s role?

A14. The statement emphasizes that the Palestinian Authority should assume its responsibilities in Gaza alongside the West Bank and East Jerusalem, reinforcing the goal of a unified Palestinian state.

Q15. How did the participants address internal displacement in Gaza?

A15. They stressed the need to address internal displacement issues and ensure that Palestinians remain on their land by improving their daily lives through reconstruction and humanitarian support.

Q16. What is the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution?

A16. It is an international initiative supported by the participants to mobilize efforts toward implementing the two-state solution, with an international conference scheduled for June 2025 co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.

Q17. What obstacles to humanitarian aid did the participants seek to remove?

A17. They called for the removal of all obstacles to the entry of humanitarian, shelter, and recovery aid, ensuring safe and unhindered delivery to all areas of Gaza.

Q18. How does the meeting align with Vision 2030?

A18. The meeting aligns with Vision 2030’s emphasis on proactive diplomacy, regional stability, and global engagement, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s role as a peacemaker and bridge-builder in the Middle East.

Q19. What is the expected impact of the Cairo meeting on future negotiations?

A19. The meeting sets a unified Arab position that supports the ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a two-state solution, providing a foundation for future negotiations and international conferences.

Q20. What role will Saudi Arabia play in the June 2025 conference?

A20. Saudi Arabia will co-chair the international conference with France, playing a pivotal role in shaping the international agenda on the Palestinian issue and promoting a just and comprehensive peace.

Reader Feedback

We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.

Name *

Message *

Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.