Palestine and Israel reaffirm their commitment to all previously signed agreements, signaling a path back to steady diplomacy amid long-standing tensions. Agency reports indicate that senior officials from Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, and the United States convened in Aqaba on February 26 to discuss the way forward. The gathering aimed to reaffirm mutual obligations and to explore practical steps that could sustain a lasting peace in the region.
Following extensive and candid discussions, the participants expressed confidence that both sides would honor their existing commitments and actively pursue a just and durable peace. The statement from the agency emphasized the seriousness of the dialogue and its focus on transforming verbal commitments into concrete actions that benefit civilians on both sides of the conflict.
In addition to reaffirming past agreements, the participants agreed to strengthen trust between the two parties and to build more reliable channels for dialogue. This renewed emphasis on communication seeks to reduce misperceptions and create a more predictable environment for diplomacy in the months ahead.
Riyad al-Maliki, the former Palestinian Foreign Minister, criticized what he described as double standards in Western policy. He pointed to sanctions imposed on Russia following the events in Crimea, while noting an absence of comparable measures against Israel for what he termed decades of occupation. Al-Maliki argued that such discrepancies undermine global credibility and complicate efforts to achieve a balanced and fair peace process.
Observers say the Aqaba discussions reflect a broader strategy to reestablish momentum in negotiations by combining formal commitments with practical outreach. The focus remains on creating measurable steps that can improve daily life for people living in border areas and on ensuring that diplomatic channels stay open even when disagreements arise. The tone of the talks suggested a willingness to translate diplomatic promises into actions, with careful attention to security, humanitarian needs, and political pluralism within both societies.