The meeting brought together senior diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and ongoing regional efforts to promote peace, humanitarian support, and long-term stability.

The gathering demonstrated a strong commitment by regional powers to finding peaceful and sustainable solutions to the conflict and reaffirmed their collective responsibility toward supporting the Palestinian people.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed various diplomatic initiatives and recent peace proposals aimed at bringing an end to the violence in Gaza.

Emphasis was placed on the need for continued coordination among Muslim and regional countries to ensure the protection of civilians, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the establishment of a lasting ceasefire.

The ministers expressed their unified stance on the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and respect for international law as foundations for achieving justice and stability in the region.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s unwavering position in supporting all efforts that lead to peace, security, and humanitarian relief in Gaza.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s consistent call for the protection of innocent lives and the delivery of aid to those affected by the ongoing crisis.

Saudi Arabia’s approach focuses on promoting unity among Arab and Islamic countries while emphasizing diplomatic engagement as the key to achieving a sustainable resolution that ensures dignity and peace for the Palestinian people.

The discussions also addressed the outcomes of the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit and the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which was recently held in Riyadh.

These initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s leading role in advancing diplomatic efforts that uphold the rights of Palestinians and support the establishment of an independent state based on international resolutions.

The participants agreed on the need to continue these coordinated efforts to ensure that peace initiatives are translated into tangible progress on the ground.

The Istanbul meeting provided an opportunity for participating nations to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian and diplomatic fields.

The ministers discussed strategies to enhance the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, especially in areas most affected by conflict, and reiterated their commitment to supporting international agencies and organizations working to deliver essential supplies.

They also emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels to prevent further escalation and to safeguard regional stability.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s participation reflects Saudi Arabia’s consistent diplomatic engagement in promoting peace and solidarity across the region.

His presence underscored the Kingdom’s active role in international diplomacy, fostering constructive dialogue, and encouraging unity among nations in addressing humanitarian challenges. Saudi Arabia continues to advocate for a fair and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue that aligns with the principles of justice, coexistence, and mutual respect.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding among participating countries to intensify their joint diplomatic efforts, strengthen coordination with international partners, and work toward a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The leaders emphasized the importance of sustained humanitarian access, rebuilding infrastructure in Gaza, and supporting peacebuilding measures that foster hope and resilience among its people.

Through its ongoing diplomatic outreach and humanitarian initiatives, Saudi Arabia remains a key regional player in advancing peace, cooperation, and stability in the Middle East.

The Kingdom’s continued involvement in international discussions like the Istanbul meeting highlights its dedication to fostering global consensus on peace, supporting humanitarian relief, and promoting a future where nations can coexist peacefully through dialogue and shared responsibility.

The accord would mark a major foreign policy victory for Trump, who has pledged to bring resolution to protracted global conflicts including those in Gaza and Ukraine.

Israeli hostages held in Gaza may be released as early as Saturday under a U.S.-brokered plan aimed at ending the devastating war in the enclave, according to a source familiar with the agreement. The Israeli military is expected to complete the first stage of a partial withdrawal from Gaza within 24 hours of the deal being signed.

The formal signing of the ceasefire agreement, which constitutes the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative for Gaza, is scheduled for Thursday at noon Israel time (0900 GMT), the source said.

The deal comes amid cautious optimism and widespread relief across both Israel and the Palestinian territories after Trump announced late Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had reached consensus on a ceasefire and hostage release plan — a move that could mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the war erupted two years ago.

A war that reshaped the Middle East

The conflict, which began following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, has left more than 67,000 people dead in Gaza, according to local authorities, and has drawn in regional actors including Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon.

Israel’s assault flattened much of the coastal strip, while sparking growing global condemnation over what rights experts and a U.N. inquiry have described as possible genocide — an accusation Israel strongly denies, maintaining its operations constitute self-defense.

“Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo, speaking from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. “All of Gaza is happy, all Arab people are happy, and the world is happy with the end of the bloodshed.”

Despite the jubilation, analysts warn that the agreement remains fragile, lacking clarity on several core issues including post-war governance of Gaza and the long-term fate of Hamas.

Trump announces breakthrough

“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump said on Truth Social. “This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed line as the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”

If successfully implemented, the accord would mark a major foreign policy victory for Trump, who has pledged to bring resolution to protracted global conflicts including those in Gaza and Ukraine.

“This deal brings us closer than any previous effort to halting a war that has engulfed the region,” a senior Western diplomat involved in the talks told Al Arabiya English on condition of anonymity. “But much will depend on how both sides implement the next steps.”

Netanyahu hails ‘national victory’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government would convene on Thursday to formally approve the plan.

“With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.”

The conflict, which saw Israel assassinate top leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah, and several Iranian commanders, has redrawn the Middle East’s political landscape. Yet Israel has faced unprecedented global backlash over the scale of civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza.

Under the new accord, Israel is to withdraw troops from specific areas of Gaza while maintaining “security control” along agreed buffer zones. In exchange, Hamas is expected to release all surviving hostages, with their return to begin within 72 hours of the agreement’s ratification.

Hostage release expected within days

Families of hostages gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to welcome the announcement, many waving Israeli flags and holding photos of their loved ones.

“President Trump, thank you very much,” said Hatan Angrest, whose son Matan is among those still held. “Our children would not be coming home without your help.”

According to a Hamas source, living hostages will be handed over within 72 hours of the deal’s approval, while recovery of the bodies of deceased hostages — believed to number about 28 — “will take longer” due to the extensive destruction in Gaza.

Trump told Fox News’ “Hannity” program that hostages could be released by Monday, adding that coordination was underway with Qatari and Egyptian mediators to oversee the exchange.

Israeli officials say 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage during the Hamas-led cross-border assault in 2023. Of the 48 hostages confirmed to remain in Gaza, around 20 are believed to still be alive.

Hamas confirms deal includes withdrawal, prisoner exchange

Hamas confirmed in a statement that it had agreed to the terms of the ceasefire, which include an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and a hostage-prisoner exchange.

“We affirm that the sacrifices of our people will not be in vain,” Hamas said. “We will remain true to our pledge — never abandoning our people’s national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved.”

In the southern city of Khan Younis, Palestinian resident Khaled Shaat described the news as “historic.”

“These are long-awaited moments after two years of killing and genocide that were committed against the Palestinian people,” he said.

However, several key aspects of the deal remain unresolved — particularly who will govern Gaza once Israeli troops withdraw and whether Hamas will retain any administrative or security role.

Post-war governance unclear

The next phase of Trump’s 20-point framework envisions the creation of an international oversight body led by the U.S. and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to help manage Gaza’s post-war transition. The body would coordinate reconstruction, security, and humanitarian operations during a two-year interim period.

But Hamas has rejected any foreign administration, saying it would only accept a Palestinian technocratic government under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority and backed by Arab and Muslim countries.

“We will not accept foreign rule or trusteeship over Gaza,” a Hamas political official told Al Arabiya English. “Gaza’s future must be decided by Palestinians.”

Arab states insist on path to Palestinian statehood

Several Arab governments that have quietly backed the Trump plan said any long-term settlement must pave the way toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

“Peace will not be sustainable without addressing the core issue — Palestinian sovereignty,” a senior Arab diplomat said. “Any arrangement that ignores this will eventually fail.”

Israeli officials, however, have reiterated that no Palestinian state will be established under Netanyahu’s government. The Israeli leader has repeatedly stated that his priority remains ensuring “complete demilitarization of Gaza” and preventing Hamas or any other armed group from re-emerging.

Economic and regional impact

News of the potential ceasefire triggered a sharp fall in global oil prices, as investors welcomed reduced risk to supply chains amid fears of a wider Middle East escalation. Analysts noted that a sustained truce could ease regional tensions and reopen diplomatic channels between Israel and Arab states that had been strained since the war began.

“This is a significant de-escalation signal,” said an energy strategist in Dubai. “Markets are responding to the likelihood that the most immediate source of instability — the Gaza war — may finally be nearing its end.”

Skepticism remains

Despite the optimism, observers cautioned that previous ceasefire efforts have repeatedly collapsed, often within days of being declared.

“The fact that this deal has been brokered directly through Washington gives it weight,” said a former Israeli intelligence official. “But without guarantees from Egypt and Qatar — and without addressing Hamas’s long-term status — it could unravel quickly.”

Trump and Netanyahu spoke by phone late Wednesday, congratulating each other on what both described as a “historic achievement.” Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli leader had invited Trump to address the Knesset following the official signing ceremony.

For war-weary civilians on both sides, the agreement offers a rare glimmer of hope — though uncertainty lingers over what will follow.

“People in Gaza have lost everything,” said a humanitarian worker in Rafah. “If this ceasefire holds, it will be the first real chance in years for families to rebuild their lives — but peace will need more than a pause in fighting.”

California Congressman Ro Khanna emphasized the growing bipartisan recognition that US policy on Israel needs reevaluation in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He urged Congress to acknowledge Palestinian aspirations and stressed that moral clarity must guide US foreign policy. Khanna noted that global consensus supports Palestinian statehood, while the US continues to lag behind international calls for justice.

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II spoke passionately about protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian support reaches those in need. He vowed not to accept campaign contributions from organizations funding ongoing violence and highlighted the local connection, noting that many families in Michigan’s Greater Detroit area have relatives affected by the conflict.

“Everyone deserves the right to safety, food, shelter, and a future free from violence,” Gilchrist said, earning a standing ovation. “These rights must be upheld both here in Michigan and around the world.”

The ADC honored activists and medical professionals, including Drs. Mohammed Mustafa and Mohammed Tahir, for their tireless efforts to save lives in Gaza under challenging conditions. Their stories underscored the urgent need for global attention, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for Palestinian civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly.

Panels at the convention explored the influence of social media on public opinion, challenges posed by algorithm-driven content moderation, and strategies to ensure accurate reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussions also covered student activism and campaigns supporting economic and diplomatic measures, including the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, highlighting the power of civic engagement in shaping US policy.

Former Wayne County Health Director Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a US Senate candidate, emphasized the role of citizens in promoting justice, human rights, and public accountability. He encouraged attendees to use advocacy and informed engagement to influence political decision-making and uphold the principles of equity and humanitarian responsibility.

The ADC convention underscored a growing commitment among American leaders and communities to defend human dignity, advocate for justice, and foster international dialogue. By combining activism, humanitarian action, and principled policymaking, the event demonstrated the power of the Arab-American community and its allies to drive meaningful change in US foreign policy and global awareness.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the ADC highlighted decades of advocacy and civil rights work, showcasing the organization’s ongoing dedication to amplifying critical voices and promoting solidarity, equity, and human rights worldwide.

Reflecting on recent developments, including the September 9 Israeli operation in Qatar, Prince Turki called on Gulf states to strengthen cooperation and review their strategic policies to safeguard sovereignty and regional stability.

“Recent developments remind us of the importance of unity and resilience among Gulf nations,” Prince Turki said. “Our collective security and strategic planning are key to protecting our region and fostering a safe environment for all.”

Turning to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he welcomed recent diplomatic progress toward a two-state solution, highlighting efforts led by Saudi Arabia and France that resulted in several countries recognizing Palestinian statehood at last week’s UN General Assembly.

“Recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people is a step toward lasting peace and stability in the region,” he said, stressing the role of justice, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

Prince Turki also reflected on his role in helping establish Arab News in 1975 and praised the newspaper for 50 years of reporting, highlighting the importance of journalism and open dialogue in addressing regional challenges.

He concluded by urging Gulf nations to focus on unity, resilience, and proactive diplomacy, emphasizing that cooperation and strategic planning are essential to navigate challenges while promoting peace and stability.

Since taking office in January, Trump has upended U.S. foreign policy, slashing foreign aid, imposing tariffs on friend and foe alike and cultivating warmer – if volatile – relations with Russia.

At the same time he has sought, so far with only limited success, to solve some of the world’s most intractable conflicts.

Some 150 heads of state or government are expected to address the chamber this week, including Trump, who is the second scheduled speaker after the session opens at 9 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT).

Trump will speak eight months into a second term marked by severe aid cuts that have sparked humanitarian worries and have raised doubts about the U.N.’s future, prompting U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to try to trim costs and improve efficiency.

White House officials have yet to provide guidance on what Trump will say.

But according to planning documents reviewed by Reuters, the Trump administration plans to call this week for sharply narrowing the right to asylum, seeking to undo the post-World War Two framework around humanitarian protection.

Trump’s more restrictive stance would include requiring asylum-seekers to claim protection in the first country they enter, not a nation of their choosing, a State Department spokesperson said.

Guterres and Trump are expected to meet formally for the first time since Trump returned to office in January.

Trump describes the U.N. as having “great potential” but says it has to get its “act together.” He has maintained the same wary stance on multilateralism that was a hallmark of his first term from 2017 to 2021 and also accused the world body of failing to help him try to broker peace in various conflicts.

Calls For a Palestinian State

The General Assembly takes place as the war between Israel and Hamas approaches its second anniversary on October 7. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due the address the General Assembly on Friday.

Dozens of world leaders gathered on Monday to embrace a Palestinian state, a landmark diplomatic shift that faces fierce resistance from Israel and its close ally the United States.

The most far-right government in Israel’s history has declared there will be no Palestinian state as it pushes on with its fight against militant group Hamas in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people.

Israel has drawn global condemnation over its military conduct in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will also address the General Assembly.