Arab-Islamic Committee Meets in Amman to Coordinate Gaza Efforts

Members of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip convened a coordination meeting in Amman, Jordan on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The gathering brought together senior diplomats from across the Arab and Islamic world to harmonize efforts ahead of the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Context and Background

The Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, held in Riyadh in November 2023, established the Ministerial Committee to spearhead diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing the crisis in Gaza. The committee comprises foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, Bahrain, and Palestine, alongside the Secretaries-General of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This coordination meeting in Amman is part of a sustained effort to present a unified Arab-Islamic position on the Palestinian issue and to mobilize international support for ending the conflict and achieving a just and lasting peace.

The timing of the meeting is critical, as it precedes the UN General Assembly’s high-level week, where world leaders will gather to discuss pressing global challenges. By coordinating their positions, the committee members aim to amplify their collective voice and ensure that the Palestinian cause remains at the forefront of international diplomacy. The meeting also reflects the continued commitment of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to champion Palestinian rights and promote regional stability.

Key Details

The Amman meeting addressed several urgent topics, including efforts to stop Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, the dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank, and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. The ministers emphasized the need to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to all affected areas and discussed ways to strengthen Arab and Islamic efforts during the General Assembly to support the recognition of the Palestinian state and ensure the fulfillment of the rights of the Palestinian people.

In addition to Prince Faisal and Safadi, the meeting was attended by Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of Palestine; Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain; Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye; Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar; Ambassador Nabil Habash, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of the Arab Republic of Egypt; Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; and Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Also present were Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Jordan, Naif Al-Sudairi, the Director General of the Office of His Highness the Foreign Minister, Abdulrahman AlDawood, and Counsellor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Manal Radwan.

The meeting further discussed joint efforts to take the necessary steps to implement the two-state solution by establishing a Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international initiatives.

Implications and Impact

The coordination meeting in Amman underscores the unified stance of Arab and Islamic nations in addressing the Gaza crisis. It sends a strong message to the international community about the urgency of ending the violence, protecting civilians, and reviving the peace process. By aligning their diplomatic strategies, the committee members aim to exert maximum influence during the UN General Assembly, where they will advocate for international recognition of a Palestinian state and push for concrete actions to resolve the conflict.

The meeting also highlights the growing role of Saudi Arabia as a diplomatic bridge-builder and a key player in regional peace efforts. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this committee reflects its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause and its broader vision of a stable, prosperous Middle East. The Kingdom’s efforts are in line with its historical support for Palestinian rights and its consistent calls for a comprehensive and just solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s active participation in the Ministerial Committee aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to foster a stable and secure regional environment conducive to economic growth and prosperity. By promoting peace and stability, Saudi Arabia aims to create opportunities for collaboration and development across the region, benefiting not only the Palestinian people but also the wider Arab and Islamic world. The Kingdom’s leadership in these diplomatic efforts demonstrates its commitment to being a force for good globally, as it works with international partners to achieve a just and lasting peace that upholds the rights of all parties.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the ministerial meeting in Amman?

A1. The meeting aimed to coordinate joint Arab and Islamic efforts ahead of the 79th UN General Assembly, focusing on the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and humanitarian aid.

Q2. Who chaired the meeting?

A2. The meeting was chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Q3. When and where did the meeting take place?

A3. The meeting was held in Amman, Jordan, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Q4. Which countries were represented at the meeting?

A4. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine, Bahrain, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt were represented, along with the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Q5. What is the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit?

A5. It is a summit held in Riyadh in November 2023 that established a ministerial committee to address the crisis in Gaza and advocate for Palestinian rights.

Q6. What are the key topics discussed at the meeting?

A6. Topics included stopping Israeli aggression on Gaza, the escalation in the West Bank, the humanitarian catastrophe, and ensuring aid delivery to affected areas.

Q7. What is the two-state solution mentioned in the meeting?

A7. It is the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative.

Q8. How does this meeting relate to the UN General Assembly?

A8. The meeting aimed to coordinate positions for the high-level week of the 79th UN General Assembly to maximize diplomatic impact on the Palestinian issue.

Q9. Who is Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah?

A9. He is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and co-chaired the meeting, representing the Kingdom’s leadership in regional diplomacy.

Q10. What role does Saudi Arabia play in the committee?

A10. Saudi Arabia is a key leader in the committee, using its diplomatic weight to unify Arab and Islamic positions and advocate for Palestinian rights.

Q11. What is the significance of the meeting being held in Amman?

A11. Amman is a central hub for regional diplomacy, and Jordan’s co-chairing underscores the importance of Jordanian-Saudi cooperation on Palestinian issues.

Q12. What humanitarian concerns were raised?

A12. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to all affected areas in Gaza and address the catastrophic conditions faced by civilians.

Q13. How does this meeting align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. Vision 2030 seeks regional stability and prosperity; by promoting peace, Saudi Arabia creates an environment conducive to economic growth and development.

Q14. What is the Arab Peace Initiative?

A14. It is a proposal endorsed by the Arab League in 2002 that offers normalized relations with Israel in exchange for a full withdrawal from occupied territories and a Palestinian state.

Q15. Which officials represented Palestine?

A15. Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa represented Palestine at the meeting.

Q16. What is the role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation?

A16. The OIC represents the collective voice of the Islamic world and supports the Palestinian cause through diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives.

Q17. What steps are being taken to support the recognition of a Palestinian state?

A17. The committee is lobbying for international recognition during the UN General Assembly and encouraging countries to support a two-state solution.

Q18. How does this meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy?

A18. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy, regional stability, and the just resolution of the Palestinian issue in line with international law.

Q19. What is the expected outcome of the coordination meeting?

A19. The meeting aims to present a unified Arab-Islamic front at the UN, pushing for concrete actions to end the conflict and revive the peace process.

Q20. How does this meeting benefit the Palestinian people?

A20. By coordinating efforts, the committee seeks to ensure that the rights and humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people are addressed effectively on the international stage.

---