Addis Ababa:The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has expressed approval for a joint statement issued after a consultative meeting concerning the Palestinian cause, held at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The ministry praised the statement for its supportive stance on the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the meeting brought together high-level delegations from the African Union Commission, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the League of Arab States. This was part of a joint coordination mechanism to support the Palestinian cause.
The ministry emphasized the joint statement's position on the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. It highlighted the necessity of implementing the second phase of US President Donald Trump's peace plan, which includes ending the blockade and Israeli occupation of the Strip, opening all crossings for the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and initiating reconstruction efforts.
Furthermore, the ministry welcomed the statement's rejection of any plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza or the occupied West Bank. It stressed the importance of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Palestinian land.
The statement also called on countries that have moved or plan to move their diplomatic missions to occupied Jerusalem to reverse these decisions, citing violations of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It urged all nations to avoid actions that could solidify Israeli occupation, recognize illegal annexation measures, or endorse Israel's alleged sovereignty over the holy city, while stressing adherence to international law obligations.
Additionally, the ministry commended the document's emphasis on ending Israel's colonial occupation and implementing the two-state solution, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the 2025 New York Declaration. It underscored the goal of establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, ensuring Palestinian rights to self-determination, independence, return, and compensation for refugees.
Finally, the ministry lauded the statement’s rejection of Israeli settlements, calls for dismantling them, and holding settlers accountable for violence against Palestinians and their properties. It advocated for disarming settlers and taking necessary legal and economic measures against companies involved in illegal settlement activities.