A meeting of European and Arab foreign ministers regarding Gaza is set to take place in Paris on Thursday. French diplomatic sources indicated that this gathering will facilitate the establishment of “collective commitment mechanisms” aimed at “activating” the Palestinian state, following recent recognition by several Western nations.
The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, following a discussion in Paris between French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah.
Sources informed the press that the agenda for the ministerial meeting will focus on topics such as “the international stabilization force, transitional governance in Gaza, humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, disarming Hamas, and supporting the Palestinian Authority and its security forces.”
As indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are currently taking place in Egypt, aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory, the ministers are keen to express their “support” for U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its third year.
Diplomatic sources clarified that the purpose of the meeting is to demonstrate “the willingness to collaborate in activating the key criteria” for what is referred to as the “day after” the war concludes, “in close cooperation with the United States, alongside clarifying collective commitment mechanisms”.
Additionally, these sources noted that this meeting continues the French-Saudi initiative supporting a two-state solution, which culminated in the adoption of the New York Declaration in September recognizing the state of Palestine, thus facilitating the acceptance of the U.S. plan to end hostilities in Gaza.
Expected participants alongside France and Saudi Arabia include Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, as well as Indonesia, Canada, and Turkey, all eager to actively participate in establishing a stabilization mission in Gaza post-ceasefire.
An Italian diplomatic source stated, “Our country is willing to engage in the political process following the war to rebuild and unify Palestine,” expressing belief that Trump’s plan is “the only viable option and should be supported.”
The U.S. President’s plan, announced on September 29, calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages held in Gaza within 72 hours, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the disarmament of Hamas.
The source added: “The Italian government is also prepared to consider, as part of its contribution to the international stabilization force outlined in President Trump’s plan, the possible deployment of Carabinieri forces to train new police in Gaza and the West Bank, where Italian personnel are already present and their work is highly praised.”
Italy has also expressed readiness to “effectively contribute to the medical and health infrastructure in Gaza.”