Following extensive Arab efforts to support the resilience of the Palestinian people and to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Hamas announced on October 3rd its acceptance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan aimed at resolving the conflict and bringing an end to the fighting. This marked a significant turning point in the protracted crisis that has persisted for two years.
The journey to this moment was preceded by continuous Arab diplomatic initiatives focused on aiding the Palestinian plight and seeking an end to the relentless warfare. Nations including the UAE, Egypt, and Qatar, along with several others, played crucial roles in diplomatic mediation alongside the United States, working within the United Nations to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire. These political efforts were complemented by humanitarian and logistical initiatives, notably the delivery of food and medical aid from the UAE, as well as financial support for UNRWA projects. Additionally, various Arab nations discussed rebuilding plans for Gaza, reflecting a collective resolve to harmonize immediate relief efforts with the pursuit of a sustainable resolution.
Dr. Ayman al-Riqab, a political science professor at Al-Quds University and a leader within the reformist faction of Fatah, emphasized that historically, the Arab world has considered the Palestinian cause as its foremost issue and a matter of comprehensive Arab national security. This perspective persists despite attempts to frame the conflict as merely a Palestinian-Israeli dispute; fundamentally, it remains an Arab struggle against Israel. The war in Gaza, which has greatly impacted civilians and humanity at large, has led to a global movement of solidarity, exemplified by initiatives like the “Fleet of Resilience.” Arab nations have played a pivotal role in bolstering the Palestinian spirit, ensuring that the issue remains at the forefront of their agendas.
Al-Riqab noted that the UAE has exemplified this support through substantial humanitarian projects aimed at assisting the people of Gaza.
By 2025, Arab efforts continued through various summits and meetings, most notably the emergency Arab summit held in Cairo in March, which condemned any violations of Palestinian rights. Concurrently, ministerial discussions took place among Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar to coordinate positions and reinforce Arab unity.
The initiatives went beyond diplomacy, extending into parliamentary advocacy, as seen in a February 2025 Arab parliamentary conference which endorsed a 15-point plan aimed at supporting Palestinian resilience and reaffirmed opposition to any attempts at displacement or resolution of the Palestinian issue. All these efforts reflect the determination of Arab states to unify their stance and exert pressure to end the conflict. Israeli affairs expert Ahmed Fouad Anwar asserted that the Palestinian response to Trump’s plan was appropriate, demonstrating flexibility by accepting certain conditions while seeking negotiations on others.
He explained that this astute position limited Israel’s maneuverability and reduced its capacity to derail the peace process. Anwar emphasized that the current phase presents a historic opportunity to mend internal Palestinian divisions, urging prioritization of the national interest.
Regarding the Arab role in supporting the Palestinian cause, Anwar extolled the positions of several Arab nations, including the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, which have bolstered international recognition of Palestine and fostered the cessation of hostilities. Furthermore, Arab mediation efforts have successfully yielded tangible political gains and safeguarded Palestinian leadership.
He concluded by underscoring that the widespread Arab rejection of displacement plans and the support for Palestinian steadfastness through legal and humanitarian efforts serve as a robust barrier against Israeli objectives, paving the way for a new era of collective Arab action aimed at establishing a fair and comprehensive solution.