UfM wraps up 8th regional forum, reaffirms commitment to two-state solution, status quo in Jerusalem

AMMAN — The eighth Regional Forum of Foreign Ministers of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, has wrapped up its discussions in Barcelona, Spain.

The forum, witnessed the participation of ministerial delegates representing UfM member states, EU officials, and representatives from relevant regional bodies, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The discussions went over efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, and ensure delivery of assistance into the Strip, Petra said.

A joint statement from the forum commended the extension of the humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages and prisoners, with the participating foreign ministers extending their gratitude to Qatar, Egypt and the US for their mediation efforts in reaching the pause.

The forum also condemned the escalating aggressions by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and called for holding the perpetrators accountable, according to Petra.

The ministers also reiterated the urgent need to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian laws and condemn the indiscriminate killing and targeting of civilians.

The forum also underlined rejection of any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, as well as internal displacement within the strip.

They also stressed the need to protect hospitals healthcare workers, and UN-run facilities in Gaza, affirming support for the Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA's roles in the besieged Strip.

The top diplomats underlined the "collective" responsibility to reach a just, comprehensive, and permanent resolution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution and international law. They also called for organising a peace conference.

The forum also called for halting unilateral actions undermining the two-state solution, including settlement construction and expansion, underlying the need to respect the historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Hashemite custodianship.

The ministers underlined their commitment to building upon the "Peace Day" initiative launched by Saudi Arabia, the Arab League, and the EU in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan.