A delegation including foreign ministers from Arab countries and Turkey visiting the United States on Friday called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, calling on Washington to support a draft resolution in the Security Council regarding a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons.

This came in a press conference for members of the liaison delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States, which was formed by a decision of the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh on November 11, to discuss ways to stop the aggression in Gaza.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said - during the conference - that "there is a need for an immediate cessation of fighting in Gaza, but this does not seem to be a priority for the international community."

Bin Farhan added, "There must also be a reliable road map to establish a Palestinian state."

Bin Farhan called for Washington to make more efforts to support the ceasefire, saying, “Everyone did not make sufficient efforts, especially those with influence.” He also called for an immediate and significant increase in humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Controversial issue

For his part, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani stressed the importance of having a ceasefire in Gaza, expressing his surprise at its delay, saying, “This is the first time, at least in my life, that I have seen the call for a ceasefire become a controversial issue.” ".

Commenting on the issue of releasing the hostages, the Qatari official said, “Our position has been clear since October 7 to release the hostages as soon as possible,” recalling that the continued Israeli bombing increases the risks to Israeli detainees held by the Palestinian resistance.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also said that the Security Council "if it fails in its session on Gaza today to take a decision, it will give a license to Israel to continue its massacre."

Al-Safadi added, "This war will not bring peace and security to Israel, but rather will be a path to more wars and destruction."

Al-Safadi also stressed that "the Palestinians are the ones who decide their fate and the type of government they want," describing the situation in the West Bank as "boiling."

In turn, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that “the solution is a ceasefire,” considering that what is happening in Gaza undermines international law and that there is double standards in the conflict.

Shukri added, "There is a possible collapse of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the Security Council must bear its responsibilities," considering "forcing Palestinians in Gaza to flee is a war crime."

Turkish position

At the same conference, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that the Gaza Strip problem is gradually turning into a regional crisis, and “it has now transcended the Israelis and Palestinians, and therefore the countries of the region must embrace the issue and act consciously and responsibly.”

Fidan pointed out the need for the international community, especially the United States, to fulfill its responsibilities.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies