Eight Arab and Muslim countries issued a joint statement categorically rejecting any attempt to displace Palestinians from Gaza into Egypt via the Rafah crossing. Their foreign ministers voiced concerns over Israeli statements suggesting unilateral use of the crossing and urged adherence to the US peace plan.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Türkiye, Pakistan, and Indonesia categorically rejected any attempt to displace the Palestinian people, emphasizing that the Rafah crossing must remain open in both directions without delay. The statement called for a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza, accelerated reconstruction, and the Palestinian Authority's resumption of responsibilities in the Strip.
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, speaking at the Doha Forum during a panel titled "Gaza Accountability," described stabilizing the ceasefire as a "top priority" and the first step toward the second phase of Trump's plan. He stressed implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803, particularly deploying an international stabilization force, to prepare for the Palestinian Authority's return. Abdelatty noted that Rafah operates continuously from the Egyptian side, but Israel keeps it closed from its side and controls five other crossings with Gaza, warning against one-way use or arrangements undermining Palestinian presence.
He also highlighted escalating settler violence and land seizures in the West Bank, calling for urgent international intervention. Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said mediators are working to "impose the next phase" of the ceasefire, though talks are at a "critical stage," adding that the US has recently begun dialogue with both parties.
Gaza's Health Ministry reported six deaths and 15 injuries over the past 48 hours, raising the toll since the October 10 ceasefire to 367 dead and 953 injured. The overall death toll from the war starting October 7, 2023, stands at 70,354, with over 171,000 injured. In Istanbul, Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Meshaal stated Gaza rejects any external "guardianship," noting that while genocide images have stopped, starvation, siege, and crossing closures continue, and called for protecting armed resistance and confronting West Bank settlement expansion.
Diplomatic pressure mounted as Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide urged establishing a stabilization force in Gaza "this month." Spain's Foreign Minister said it is "time to establish a Palestinian state," warning settler violence is "out of control" and peace requires a two-state solution. A US official told AP a force could deploy early next year, while Arab and Western sources indicated an international authority might be announced by year-end to manage Gaza.