Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its refusal to establish relations with Israel without a Palestinian state, rejecting Trump’s proposal for U.S. control over Gaza. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the importance of Palestinian rights amidst ongoing conflict and emphasized that normalization is non-negotiable and dependent on achieving those rights.
On February 5, Saudi Arabia reiterated its stance against normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is established. This statement appears to reject President Trump’s controversial Gaza proposal, which suggests U.S. control over the region without recognizing Palestinian statehood. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed its unwavering commitment to Palestinian rights and rejected any actions infringing upon them, including Israeli settlements and land annexation.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the kingdom’s steadfast position on the Palestinian issue. He reiterated that any normalization of relations with Israel is non-negotiable as it depends on the realization of Palestinian rights. Although Trump had suggested otherwise during a press conference, his plan to develop Gaza following the Hamas-Israel conflict remains vague and is seen as inadequate by Saudi officials.
Saudi Arabia’s refusal to normalize relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state reflects deep-rooted regional dynamics and longstanding Arab positions on Palestinian rights. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has led to immense suffering, particularly in Gaza, which has recently experienced extensive destruction and loss of life during recent hostilities. President Trump’s Gaza proposal has raised eyebrows and is seen as a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, leading to Saudi Arabia’s critical response.
Saudi Arabia’s firm rejection of U.S. efforts to control Gaza without recognizing Palestinian statehood highlights the complex interplay of Middle Eastern politics and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights. The kingdom’s position is clear: genuine peace can only be achieved through the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, a sentiment echoed throughout the region and emphasized in international resolutions.
Original Source: www.upi.com
