Arab foreign ministers said on Wednesday they would continue consultations with US President Donald Trump's special envoy over Egypt's plan for rebuilding the Gaza Strip, an alternative to Trump's proposed takeover of the Palestinian territory.
Consultations and coordination on the plan would continue with the US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, as a "basis for the reconstruction efforts" in Gaza, according to a joint statement following a meeting of the foreign ministers in Doha.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah was among the officials who participated in the meeting.
"The Arab ministers emphasized the importance of establishing a ceasefire in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, stressing the need for genuine efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, ensuring the fulfilment of the Palestinian people's aspirations for freedom and independence," said the statement.
The ministers "reiterated their commitment to maintaining dialogue to reinforce the ceasefire and to work jointly to establish security, stability, and peace in the region, through intensified diplomatic efforts and coordination with various regional and international parties," it added.
Earlier this month, Arab leaders adopted a $53 billion Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza that would avoid displacing Palestinians from the enclave, in contrast to Trump's vision of a "Middle East Riviera.”
Trump's plan reinforced long-standing Palestinian fears of being permanently driven from their homes, and was met with widespread international rejection.
"Nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza," Trump said at the White House on Wednesday in response to a question.
Egypt's reconstruction plan for Gaza provides for an administrative committee of independent, professional Palestinian technocrats entrusted with the governance of Gaza.
The plan is detailed in a 112-page document that includes maps of how its land would be redeveloped and dozens of colorful AI-generated images of housing developments, gardens and community centers.