Kazakhstan believes that the only way to ensure a peaceful and secure future for the long-suffering Palestinian people is the “Two states for two nations” formula in line with relevant UN resolutions, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu said at the Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League in the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, on Saturday, Kazinform News Agency reports.

In his remarks at the summit, Minister Nurtleu stressed that Kazakhstan fully supports the legitimate rights of Palestinians to self-determination and the creation of an internationally recognized Palestinian state.

“Kazakhstan has stood - and continues to stand - in solidarity with OIC Member States in urging an immediate end of hostilities in the Gaza Strip,” said Nurtleu, adding that, to this end, Kazakhstan voted in favor of the resolution calling for a ceasefire that was sponsored by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the emergency special session of the UN General Assembly on 27 October.

The Kazakhstani diplomat emphasized that regrettably, civilians – including far too many children, women, and elderly persons –have become innocent victims of the conflict and their safety remains the highest priority.

In his remarks, the Kazakh Foreign Minister mentioned his recent phone call with Israeli colleague Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, pointing out that he urged for an immediate ceasefire and called on all parties to seek a peaceful resolution.

According to the Murat Nurtleu, Kazakhstan commends the decision of the Arab Republic of Egyptto provide corridors for medical and relief aidto the civilians of Gaza and has donated one million dollarsfor the brotherly people of Palestine and plans to deliver additional humanitarian assistance.

He went on to express Kazakhstan’s concern that more than 150 of its citizens– including mostly women and children – currently confined in Gaza are unable to exit via the Rafah Crossing.

“I take this opportunity to urge Egypt and all parties involved to permit the unconditional evacuationof Kazakh citizens, their family members, and other foreigners from the Gaza Strip. We have made arrangements to ensure that these citizens can be immediately repatriatedto Kazakhstan as soon as they are permitted to cross Rafah,” Minister Nurtleu stressed.

“Kazakhstan appeals to all international and humanitarian organizations to intervene in the current extremely difficult situation in Gaza. To this end, we propose to use the existing mechanism of the Islamic Organization for Food Security to carry out an emergency humanitarian food programfor Gazans,” said Murat Nurtleu, adding that OIC Member States can draw on this institution to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe and restore living conditions in affected areas.

The Kazakh Foreign Minister pointed out it is high time that world leaders and influential international organizations like the OIC intensify their efforts and bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table for the sake of stability and security, not only in the Middle East, but also in the rest of the world.

“The very essence of the Ummah is unity, a community of shared values. During this challenging time, it is our duty as OIC Member States to remain united in safeguarding the lives of the innocent and putting an end to violence,” noted Nurtleu.

Kazakhstan, in his words, stands ready to support any efforts that can pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East.

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