GCC chief supports Hamas' steps in Trump Gaza proposal

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi has welcomed the steps taken by Hamas in response to US President Donald Trump's Gaza proposal while stressing on the importance of strengthening Gulf integration to confront accelerating global changes.

The proposal includes the release of all alive and deceased Israeli hostages within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting the agreement. 

In a statement, Al-Budaiwi further supported international and regional efforts to end the crisis in the Gaza Strip, adding on the need to reach a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire agreement, and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians in the Strip.

He also affirmed the GCC's firm position on establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In efforts to strengthen collective collaboration, Al-Budaiwi further emphasised the need to expedite the legislation required to remove obstacles hindering progress in support of GCC cooperation during the 26th meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with following up on joint action decisions in Kuwait on Sunday.

He also praised recent achievements, notably advances in the customs union and steps toward completing the GCC common market, describing them as milestones that will significantly enhance member states’ economies and support diversification efforts.