RIYADH. SAUDI ARABIA 0ct 5. 2025— Foreign ministers from eight key Arab and Muslim-majority nations issued a joint statement Saturday welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for an immediate end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, while praising Hamas’s readiness to release hostages and transition governance to Palestinian technocrats.
The declaration, signed by counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt, hailed Trump’s recent call on Israel to halt bombings and kick off hostage exchanges as a “sincere effort” to broker lasting peace. It also commended Hamas for agreeing to “immediately” enter negotiations on freeing all captives—alive or deceased—and launching talks on post-war mechanisms, moves described as vital steps toward de-escalation.
“We welcome the steps taken by Hamas regarding U.S. President Trump’s call for the release of all hostages, alive or deceased, and the immediate launch of negotiations,” the ministers stated, adding appreciation for Trump’s directive to Israel to “immediately stop the bombing” and implement a prisoner swap agreement. The group expressed optimism that these actions could pave the way for a “comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire” amid Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis, where thousands have perished and aid access remains severely restricted.
A pivotal element of the statement was support for Hamas’s announcement of willingness to cede administrative control of Gaza to a “transitional technocratic Palestinian administration.” The ministers urged swift negotiations to flesh out implementation details, emphasizing the need for unhindered humanitarian aid flows, protections against Palestinian displacement, and safeguards for civilian safety across Gaza and the West Bank.
The signatories recommitted to backing U.S.-led efforts for a broader deal ensuring “no measures are taken that threaten the security and safety of Palestinian civilians,” including a full Israeli troop withdrawal, Gaza’s reconstruction, and a security framework benefiting all parties. This, they argued, would lay the groundwork for a “just peace” rooted in the two-state solution—a longstanding international consensus long stymied by stalled talks.
The endorsement comes days after Trump’s bold Gaza blueprint drew praise from European and Middle Eastern capitals alike, with the White House touting it as a “global vision for peace.” Yet, reactions remain tempered: While the joint statement signals rare unity among Sunni powerhouses and regional heavyweights, Israeli officials have yet to respond publicly to the U.S. pressure, and Hamas has conditioned full compliance on an enduring truce.
As the ministers’ appeal reverberates, it underscores a fragile diplomatic window in a conflict that has raged for nearly two years, displacing over 1.9 million Gazans and fueling regional instability. “This is an opportunity to achieve regional opportunity,” the statement concluded, urging all stakeholders to seize it for the sake of Palestinian lives and broader stability.