Palestinian prime minister demands Gaza reconstruction plan be joint Arab-Islamic effort

​​​​​​​By Awad Rjoob, Ali Semerci and Gizem Nisa Cebi

RAMALLAH/ISTANBUL (AA) - Palestinian Prime and Foreign Minister Mohammed Mustafa demanded the adoption Friday of the Palestine-Egypt plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip be a joint Arab-Islamic plan.

Mustafa made the statement during the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia, convened to discuss developments in Palestine.

Mustafa said that the Palestinian government, with the support of international organizations, would establish an independent reconstruction authority to follow up and coordinate the implementation of the plan.

He added that the authority would be financially and administratively independent and managed by a board of qualified individuals, with its accounts subject to financial audits according to the highest international standards.

The prime minister called for the Gaza reconstruction plan to be adopted as a common plan by Arab and Islamic countries.

Mustafa emphasized that success depends on halting Israeli attacks, the return of displaced persons, withdrawing Israeli forces, opening border crossings, ensuring the sustainability of the ceasefire, allowing the entry of construction materials and necessary equipment, and securing financial support.

He said they would work to ensure successful implementation of the plan, noting it would not only lay the foundation for the return of life to Gaza and all of Palestine but create a foundation for freeing Palestine from Israel’s oppression and materializing an independent Palestinian state.

Mustafa stressed that Islamic unity is a collective commitment to Palestine and an effective tool in confronting Israel’s arrogance and ensuring peace and stability in the region.

He pointed out that Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem are facing increasing terror activities by Israelis who have seized Palestinian lands, as well as systematic attacks, forced displacement, ethnic cleansing and assaults on holy sites.

Mustafa called for intensified international efforts to pressure Israel and increase political, diplomatic, legal and economic pressure on Tel Aviv until Palestinians achieve their legitimate rights, particularly full sovereignty of their land, with Jerusalem as their capital.

He also noted that during an Arab League summit in Cairo on Tuesday, the strategic option emphasized was reaching a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, rejecting displacement, ending the occupation, and establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Mustafa added that joint action is needed to end Israel's unjust war in Gaza and the threat of displacement.