The meeting brought together senior diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and ongoing regional efforts to promote peace, humanitarian support, and long-term stability.

The gathering demonstrated a strong commitment by regional powers to finding peaceful and sustainable solutions to the conflict and reaffirmed their collective responsibility toward supporting the Palestinian people.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed various diplomatic initiatives and recent peace proposals aimed at bringing an end to the violence in Gaza.

Emphasis was placed on the need for continued coordination among Muslim and regional countries to ensure the protection of civilians, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the establishment of a lasting ceasefire.

The ministers expressed their unified stance on the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and respect for international law as foundations for achieving justice and stability in the region.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s unwavering position in supporting all efforts that lead to peace, security, and humanitarian relief in Gaza.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s consistent call for the protection of innocent lives and the delivery of aid to those affected by the ongoing crisis.

Saudi Arabia’s approach focuses on promoting unity among Arab and Islamic countries while emphasizing diplomatic engagement as the key to achieving a sustainable resolution that ensures dignity and peace for the Palestinian people.

The discussions also addressed the outcomes of the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit and the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which was recently held in Riyadh.

These initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s leading role in advancing diplomatic efforts that uphold the rights of Palestinians and support the establishment of an independent state based on international resolutions.

The participants agreed on the need to continue these coordinated efforts to ensure that peace initiatives are translated into tangible progress on the ground.

The Istanbul meeting provided an opportunity for participating nations to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian and diplomatic fields.

The ministers discussed strategies to enhance the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, especially in areas most affected by conflict, and reiterated their commitment to supporting international agencies and organizations working to deliver essential supplies.

They also emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels to prevent further escalation and to safeguard regional stability.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s participation reflects Saudi Arabia’s consistent diplomatic engagement in promoting peace and solidarity across the region.

His presence underscored the Kingdom’s active role in international diplomacy, fostering constructive dialogue, and encouraging unity among nations in addressing humanitarian challenges. Saudi Arabia continues to advocate for a fair and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue that aligns with the principles of justice, coexistence, and mutual respect.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding among participating countries to intensify their joint diplomatic efforts, strengthen coordination with international partners, and work toward a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The leaders emphasized the importance of sustained humanitarian access, rebuilding infrastructure in Gaza, and supporting peacebuilding measures that foster hope and resilience among its people.

Through its ongoing diplomatic outreach and humanitarian initiatives, Saudi Arabia remains a key regional player in advancing peace, cooperation, and stability in the Middle East.

The Kingdom’s continued involvement in international discussions like the Istanbul meeting highlights its dedication to fostering global consensus on peace, supporting humanitarian relief, and promoting a future where nations can coexist peacefully through dialogue and shared responsibility.

The Crown Prince stressed the importance of ending the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians, ensuring a complete Israeli withdrawal, and advancing peace efforts in line with the two-state solution.

The cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for ongoing regional and international initiatives aimed at strengthening global security and fostering sustainable peace.

Alongside international diplomacy, the council reviewed domestic initiatives focused on enhancing public services, improving productivity, and supporting sustainable growth.

Officials highlighted progress on government programs designed to deliver innovative solutions and benefit citizens across the Kingdom.

A key highlight was the launch of the King Salman Gate Project in Makkah, a transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at improving the experience for visitors to the Grand Mosque.

The project represents the Kingdom’s commitment to combining modern development with cultural and spiritual excellence.

Housing and real estate development were also central to the discussions. The cabinet reviewed strategies to expand housing supply, achieve market balance, and provide citizens with diverse housing options. These measures aim to attract investors, support urban growth, and enhance economic stability.

The council also celebrated Saudi Arabia’s recent achievements in education, rural development, and transport, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to innovation and global best practices.

The Saudi International Railway Exhibition and Conference further demonstrated this commitment, bringing together participants from over 20 countries and facilitating more than 50 agreements supporting the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services.

The Crown Prince emphasized that these initiatives reflect a balanced approach, combining leadership in global humanitarian issues with tangible progress in national development.

By addressing urgent needs abroad and advancing infrastructure and housing at home, Saudi Arabia continues to enhance quality of life for citizens while reinforcing its international influence.

Officials underscored that these efforts align with Vision 2030, promoting sustainable development, economic diversification, and international collaboration.

By integrating domestic growth with diplomatic engagement, the Kingdom aims to maintain its role as a proactive and responsible global actor, driving progress on multiple fronts.

Saudi Arabia’s achievements in diplomacy, infrastructure, and innovation demonstrate its commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity.

The government’s focus on both humanitarian leadership and domestic development exemplifies a forward-looking strategy that positions the Kingdom as a regional and international leader in governance, innovation, and social progress.

His visit also reflected Jordan’s growing diplomatic role in supporting peace, innovation, and regional stability.

According to the Jordan News Agency (JNA), Crown Prince Hussein met with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Speaker of the UK House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, and Chair of the International Development Committee Sarah Champion.

The discussions highlighted a shared commitment to building on decades of friendship and collaboration between Amman and London.

During the meetings, the crown prince expressed Jordan’s deep appreciation for the UK’s recent decision to recognize the State of Palestine — a move he described as a “significant and courageous step toward justice and peace.”

He emphasized that this recognition represents a moral and diplomatic milestone in advancing the two-state solution, which remains the cornerstone of regional peace efforts.

Prince Hussein commended the UK for standing on the side of fairness and humanity, especially at a time when the region continues to face immense humanitarian challenges.

He urged the international community to intensify efforts to implement all stages of the Gaza peace agreement and ensure the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid. “The priority must be to alleviate the suffering of civilians and ensure sustainable peace and stability,” he said.

The crown prince also highlighted Jordan’s continued advocacy for the Palestinian people, reaffirming Amman’s steadfast position under the leadership of King Abdullah II.

He praised the crucial work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), describing it as a “lifeline” that provides hope, education, and essential support for millions of displaced Palestinians. He called on the global community to strengthen its backing for the agency to ensure that vital humanitarian operations continue uninterrupted.

Beyond the political dialogue, Crown Prince Hussein’s visit reflected Jordan’s forward-looking approach to bilateral relations, particularly in areas of technology, innovation, and education.

He expressed Jordan’s readiness to deepen partnerships in these fields, noting that collaboration with the UK could help unlock opportunities for young people, promote digital transformation, and support sustainable economic growth in both nations.

In his meeting with UK parliamentary leaders, Prince Hussein lauded the long-standing cooperation between Jordan and the UK, which has spanned decades of trust and shared values.

He noted that both countries share a common vision for promoting stability, development, and tolerance across the Middle East. The talks also explored expanding educational exchange programs and fostering private-sector collaboration to create new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Jordan’s ambassador to the UK, Manar Dabbas, attended the meetings and underscored that the visit reinforces the deep political and people-to-people ties between the two kingdoms.

The crown prince’s visit also included a stop at South Bank Technical College, where he met representatives from the global education company Pearson.

Accompanied by his wife, Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein, he explored how educational innovation can bridge skill gaps and empower youth to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. His engagement underscored his strong belief in investing in human capital as a foundation for progress and prosperity.

Throughout the day, Prince Hussein’s discussions in London reflected a positive and forward-looking vision for Jordan’s international partnerships. His focus on youth, technology, and education mirrors Jordan’s growing global image as a hub for innovation and reform in the Arab world.

By commending the UK’s recognition of the Palestinian state and emphasizing humanitarian and developmental cooperation, the crown prince highlighted Jordan’s role as a bridge between the Arab world and the international community.

His visit symbolized a message of hope — one rooted in diplomacy, compassion, and the pursuit of lasting peace and progress.

In reaffirming Jordan’s enduring friendship with the UK, Prince Hussein showcased his generation’s commitment to building a future defined by dialogue, partnership, and shared prosperity.

His words and actions throughout the visit reflected Jordan’s unwavering belief in peace through justice — a principle that continues to guide the nation’s foreign policy and its contributions to regional stability.

Reflecting on recent developments, including the September 9 Israeli operation in Qatar, Prince Turki called on Gulf states to strengthen cooperation and review their strategic policies to safeguard sovereignty and regional stability.

“Recent developments remind us of the importance of unity and resilience among Gulf nations,” Prince Turki said. “Our collective security and strategic planning are key to protecting our region and fostering a safe environment for all.”

Turning to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he welcomed recent diplomatic progress toward a two-state solution, highlighting efforts led by Saudi Arabia and France that resulted in several countries recognizing Palestinian statehood at last week’s UN General Assembly.

“Recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people is a step toward lasting peace and stability in the region,” he said, stressing the role of justice, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

Prince Turki also reflected on his role in helping establish Arab News in 1975 and praised the newspaper for 50 years of reporting, highlighting the importance of journalism and open dialogue in addressing regional challenges.

He concluded by urging Gulf nations to focus on unity, resilience, and proactive diplomacy, emphasizing that cooperation and strategic planning are essential to navigate challenges while promoting peace and stability.

“Coming from a medical background, I’m naturally optimistic,” Al-Rabeeah told Arab News on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. “With increasing acceptance of Palestine by many countries, particularly in the West, we are moving closer to achieving a durable solution.”

The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, led to the adoption of the New York Declaration—a comprehensive roadmap outlining timebound, actionable steps to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Endorsed by the UN General Assembly with overwhelming support, the declaration provides a multi-dimensional framework covering political governance, security, humanitarian assistance, economic recovery, and legal accountability. Key measures include an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, reunification with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority (excluding Hamas), a temporary UN-led stabilization mission, and a halt to Israeli settlement expansion.

“The people of Palestine have endured immense suffering for many years,” Al-Rabeeah said. “The two-state solution remains the only viable path for long-term peace and a brighter future for Palestinians.”

Al-Rabeeah also highlighted global humanitarian challenges, ahead of a high-level UN meeting on displaced populations. With over 130 million people displaced worldwide and donor fatigue threatening aid efforts, he called for renewed international commitment.

“We face multiple crises — in Sudan, Ukraine, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond,” he noted. “This meeting is essential to highlight the urgency of resolving ongoing crises, preventing new ones, and ensuring a better future for refugees and displaced communities.”

While the summit in New York could boost the morale of Palestinians, it is not expected to deliver change on the ground, where the most far-right government in Israel’s history has declared there will be no Palestinian state as it pushes on with its fight against militant group Hamas.

The two-state solution was the bedrock of the U.S.-backed peace process ushered in by the 1993 Oslo Accords. The process suffered heavy pushback from both sides and has all but died.

Israeli Ambassador Calls Summit a ‘Circus’

Israel and the United States will boycott the summit, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon, said, describing the event as a “circus.”

Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal all recognised a Palestinian state on Sunday. France and five other states are expected to also formally do so on Monday at the meeting ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

While the majority of European countries now recognise a Palestinian state, both Germany and Italy have signalled they are unlikely to make such a move soon.

Germany — long a strong supporter of Israel because of its responsibility for the Holocaust — has grown more critical of Israeli policy, while insisting that recognition of a Palestinian state should come at the end of a political process to agree on a two-state solution.

The German government spokesperson also said on Monday there must be no further annexations in Israeli-occupied territory.

Italy said recognising a Palestinian state could be “counterproductive”.

Russia still believes that a two-state solution is the only way to settle the conflict, the Kremlin said on Monday.

“This remains our approach, and we believe that it is the only possible way to find a solution to this extremely complex, long-standing conflict, which is now perhaps at its most acute and tragic stage in its entire history,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Israeli Response May Include West Bank Annexation

Israel has become isolated and drawn global condemnation over its military conduct in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected numerous calls to end the campaign until Hamas is destroyed and has said he will not recognise a Palestinian state. Netanyahu said in a statement on Sunday he will announce Israel’s response when he returns from the U.S., where he is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.

Israel is considering annexing part of the occupied West Bank as a possible response as well as specific bilateral measures against Paris, Israeli officials have said, even though the recognitions are expected to be largely symbolic.

Annexation could backfire and alienate key countries like the United Arab Emirates, a global oil power and trade hub with wide diplomatic clout across the Middle East.

The United Arab Emirates, the most prominent of the Arab states that normalised ties with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020, has said such a move would undermine the spirit of the agreement.

The U.S. administration has also warned of possible consequences for those who take measures against Israel, including against France, whose president, Emmanuel Macron, is hosting the New York summit.

The summit follows Israel’s launch of a long-threatened ground assault on Gaza City with few prospects for a ceasefire two years after Palestinian Islamist militants Hamas attacked Israel, triggering the war in the Palestinian enclave.

France Says Declaration Shows Commitment To Two-State Solution

Amid Israel’s intensified Gaza offensive and escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, there is a growing sense of urgency to act now before the idea of a two-state solution vanishes forever.

“The decision that the President of the Republic will present this afternoon to the United Nations General Assembly is a symbolic, immediate, political decision that demonstrates France’s commitment to the two-state solution,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told television channel TF1.

France has driven the move, hoping that Macron’s announcement in July that he would recognise a Palestinian state would give greater momentum to a movement hitherto dominated by smaller nations that are generally more critical of Israel.

In Gaza, some Palestinians found little relief in statehood recognition as they fled Israeli attacks on Gaza City on Sunday.

“Even if countries such as Australia, Canada, and France —who are now among those initiating this recognition — acknowledge Palestine, I believe there will still be no serious pressure on Israel to grant the Palestinians their rights,” said displaced Palestinian Nabeel Jaber.

In Tel Aviv, Israelis said the Palestinians turned down many chances to establish a state in the past.

“We’ve offered them peace about five times. They could have agreed to any one of those, and they never, ever chose peace. So why do we need to choose peace with people who want to kidnap, murder, rape our people? I don’t think we need to do that,” said film student Tamara Raveh, 25.

Sheikh Abdullah, who also serves as the UAE’s deputy prime minister, underscored the importance of halting hostilities, securing the release of hostages, and preventing further escalation in the Middle East. The meeting, attended by UAE Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri and UAE Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja, marked a rare diplomatic engagement between the two nations since the Gaza war began in October 2023.

The UAE and Israel normalized relations in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, but bilateral interactions have been limited amid the ongoing conflict sparked by Hamas-led attacks on Israel. Saar noted on X that this was his second meeting with Sheikh Abdullah, signaling a cautious resumption of dialogue.

During the talks, Sheikh Abdullah called for a “serious political horizon” to restart negotiations for a two-state solution, reaffirming the UAE’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. He also stressed the need to curb extremism, tensions, and violence across the region, the ministry statement said.

The meeting coincided with Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza, which resumed last month after the collapse of a US-mediated truce. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 1,330 Palestinians have been killed since the offensive restarted, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 50,695 — numbers cannot be independently verified. The war erupted when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, of whom 59 remain in Gaza—24 believed to be alive.

Sheikh Abdullah’s push for peace reflects growing regional concern over Gaza’s humanitarian toll, with the UAE positioning itself as a mediator advocating for stability and Palestinian rights amid a conflict showing no signs of abating.