Arab States And European Union Asks Hamad To Relinquish Power

For the first time, Arab and Muslim nations such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have collectively urged Hamas to disarm and cede control of the Gaza Strip.

This initiative is part of a wider push to resolve the ongoing conflict in the region.

The statement, endorsed by the 22-member Arab League, the entire European Union, and 17 other countries, was formalized at a United Nations conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France in New York. The conference aimed to secure a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promote the Two-State Solution.

The joint declaration stressed that governance, law enforcement, and security in all Palestinian territories should be exclusively managed by the Palestinian Authority, with support from the international community. It demanded that Hamas relinquish its control over Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international supervision and support. This, the declaration noted, aligns with the objective of establishing a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.

The declaration also denounced the deadly Hamas attack on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023, and suggested the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission under the United Nations’ authority, upon the Palestinian Authority’s invitation. Several member states have already indicated their willingness to contribute troops to the mission.

France, which co-hosted the conference, described the declaration as “unprecedented.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted that this was the first instance of Saudi Arabia and other Arab and Muslim nations publicly condemning the October 7 attacks, advocating for Hamas’ disarmament, and expressing interest in eventually normalizing relations with Israel.

Qatar and Egypt, who have acted as key mediators throughout the conflict, maintain communication channels with both Hamas and Israel.

In March, Egypt proposed a post-war governance plan for Gaza that excluded Hamas. The plan, discussed during an emergency summit in Cairo, suggested a temporary Palestinian committee to assume governance of the enclave, with power eventually transitioning to the Palestinian Authority.

Saudi Arabia continues to champion the revival of the Two-State Solution. France has declared its intention to recognize a Palestinian state by September, a position supported by the United Kingdom, which warned it would follow suit unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. These announcements have faced strong opposition from both Israel and the United States.

Despite growing international pressure, Hamas has shown no clear willingness to step down. The group’s leadership has issued contradictory statements in recent months regarding its future role in a post-war Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfastly opposed to the Two-State Solution, arguing that it threatens Israel’s national security.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli