Rescuers and people transport a victim recovered from under the rubble of a collapsed building following an Israeli air strike on Rafah in southern Gaza Strip on Oct 26, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

CAIRO - Nine Arab countries called Thursday on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to oblige the warring parties in the Gaza Strip to an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.

The call came in a joint press statement by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Morocco.

The nine countries condemned targeting civilians, all acts of violence against them, and all violations and transgressions of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, by any party.

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They also condemned and rejected attempts at individual or collective forced displacement, as well as the policy of collective punishment.

The ministers also cautioned about the escalation of violence in the West Bank, calling on the international community to support and strengthen the Palestinian National Authority, and provide financial support to the Palestinian people

The Arab foreign ministers also underscored the importance of immediately releasing hostages and civilian detainees, emphasizing the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross in this regard.

The ministers demanded the UNSC to ensure and facilitate rapid, safe and sustainable access for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip without obstacles in accordance with relevant humanitarian principles, and to mobilize additional resources in cooperation with the UN and its affiliates.

They expressed deep concern about the possibility of the current confrontations and conflict to expand to other regions in the Middle East, calling on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint.

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They also cautioned about the escalation of violence in the West Bank, calling on the international community to support and strengthen the Palestinian National Authority, and provide financial support to the Palestinian people.

Palestinians inspect the rubble of destroyed buildings following Israeli airstrikes on the town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Oct 26, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

In addition, the top Arab diplomats highlighted international efforts to implement the two-state solution on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions.

Meanwhile, Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit on Thursday expressed regret that the UN failed to adopt two draft resolutions regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

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In a statement, Aboul-Gheit stressed that the failure reflects the lack of a real international will to put an end to the "military operation carried out by Israel in the Gaza Strip," despite the flagrant violation of international humanitarian law by targeting civilians.

Aboul-Ghiet stressed that there are international forces that reject a ceasefire and insist on "giving Israel a license to destroy the Gaza Strip and target civilians under the name of the right to self-defense."

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The AL chief noted this position contributes to the escalation of the conflict, adding the parties that insist on continuing the escalation must review their positions and consider the consequences of this dangerous policy of green-lighting Israel's attacks.

The Israel-Hamas conflict, as it entered the 20th day, has killed around 7,028 Palestinians in Gaza and at least 1,400 people in Israel, according to official figures from both sides.