Cairo, Doha emphasize need to define mandate of ISF in Gaza

CAIRO, Nov. 10 (YPA) – Egypt and Qatar have stressed the need to define the mandate and powers of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in a way that supports early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip.

This came during a phone call made on Monday between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, as part of ongoing coordination and consultation between the two countries regarding regional developments and bilateral relations, according to Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf.

The call addressed developments in the Gaza Strip, with both sides emphasizing the continuation of full coordination and ongoing consultation between Cairo and Doha in support of efforts to solidify the ceasefire and build upon the achievements of the Sharm El-Sheikh summit.

The two ministers also discussed the progress of consultations regarding the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan.

Furthermore, the two ministers agreed on the fundamental positions of Egypt and Qatar, foremost among them the necessity of linking the West Bank and Gaza Strip to ensure the unity of Palestinian territories, and the importance of Palestinians managing their own affairs while preserving the unity of Palestinian decision-making.

The call also addressed the ongoing consultations in New York regarding the deployment of the International Stabilization Force, with both ministers emphasizing the need to define its mandate and powers in a way that supports early recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The two sides talked about the situation in the West Bank, reiterating their firm rejection of all settlement activity and the repeated violations that undermine the prospects for peace and exacerbate tensions.

AA