Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa described the ministerial committee established by last year’s Arab-Islamic Joint Summit as “the most successful committee” in the history of Arab and Islamic high-level meetings.
“Some decisions are made but not always implemented; however, this committee has maintained continuous activity and positive engagement both regionally and internationally since its formation,” he stated.
Mustafa emphasized that the committee recognized the need to re-evaluate the regional situation and work toward exceptional decisions, building on the momentum generated by the previous summit. He also praised Saudi Arabia’s initiative in calling for a second meeting within the same year.
Asharq Al-Awsat met with the Palestinian prime minister following his participation in the ministerial meeting held ahead of the summit on Sunday. In the interview, Mustafa described the discussions surrounding the draft resolution as “promising.” He highlighted the ministerial committee’s notable success in advancing international recognition of the State of Palestine by several countries.
In this context, he pointed to the launch of the International Coalition to Implement the Two-State Solution, led by Saudi Arabia on behalf of the ministerial committee and in partnership with the European Union. He also commended Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan for his leadership of the committee.
The premier urged the United States and the global community to “deliver justice to the Palestinian people.” He expressed hope that Trump, in his second term, would approach the issue with “fresh perspectives,” considering the impact of the conflict on regional and global stability. He hoped the new US administration would “honor the region’s desire for peace and stability.”
“We extend our hand to Trump to engage in serious peace,” he stated.
Mustafa called on the United States to press Israel “more seriously and with stronger measures to halt the war and respond to international calls.” He argued that Israel lacks genuine commitment to reaching a ceasefire and shows disregard for the humanitarian crisis and regional instability, voicing disappointment over reports of stalled truce negotiations in Gaza.
He also expressed optimism that efforts to achieve a ceasefire, especially those led by Egypt and Qatar, would continue, but he also called for greater international pressure to persuade Israel to end the war, which is causing “50 to 100 deaths daily in Gaza.”
The prime minister affirmed that implementing a two-state solution requires establishing a Palestinian state with full independence and sovereignty, as the other state (Israel) already exists.
He underscored the importance of “reuniting the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza to unify institutions, resources, geography, and political decisions in preparation for establishing an independent state.”
Mustafa confirmed that 149 countries currently recognize Palestine. He revealed that discussions are underway with several other countries, including Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, and the UK, through both Riyadh Summit Committee and bilateral channels.
Regarding the ministerial committee formed by last year’s Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Joint Summit in Riyadh, Mustafa praised the Saudi Foreign Minister for his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the Palestinian cause, which he said is evident in the committee’s work.
He added that the committee now addresses multiple issues beyond a single agenda item, including the international recognition of a Palestinian state, noting that the participation of around 90 countries and international organizations in the first meeting in Riyadh not only highlights the significance of the Palestinian issue but also reflects Saudi Arabia’s influential role in championing and supporting the Palestinian cause.
On Sunday, the Saudi Foreign Minister chaired the preparatory ministerial meeting for the Arab-Islamic Follow-Up Summit, scheduled for Monday. The meeting included discussions on the summit’s agenda and key issues up for deliberation.
