Saudi Arabia confirmed its stance that a formal Israeli-Palestinian peace requires an independent Palestinian state, rejecting U.S. proposals for Gazan displacement. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to Palestinian rights and reaffirmed the prerequisite of statehood for normalizing relations with Israel. The rebuttal of Trump’s comments about relocating Gazans reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to upholding international resolutions regarding Palestinian sovereignty.
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its longstanding stance that Palestinians must have an independent state, rejecting any proposals for relocating Gazans to other countries. The Saudi Foreign Ministry’s statement followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested the U.S. could take ownership of Gaza after displacing its inhabitants. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to Palestinian rights and its conditions for normal relations with Israel, emphasizing the need for a viable Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders.
The Crown Prince highlighted in a September 2024 address at the Shura Council that Saudi Arabia’s efforts towards an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, would not cease. He declared that the normalization of ties with Israel is contingent on establishing a Palestinian state. This message was echoed during the Arab-Islamic summit in November 2024, where he condemned Israeli occupation and called for international recognition of Palestine.
The Saudi statement firmly rejected Trump’s vision of Gazans being displaced, emphasizing the right of Palestinians to remain on their land. The Ministry reiterated that true and lasting peace can only be achieved if Palestinians obtain their legitimate rights, in line with international resolutions. It underscored the responsibility of the international community to alleviate suffering and support Palestinian rights.
Trump’s comments suggested that Palestinians would be better suited living outside Gaza, reflecting a controversial stance. He proposed Egypt and Jordan as relocation sites, but both nations have firmly rejected such proposals. Furthermore, Trump did not dismiss the possibility of deploying American troops to aid reconstruction efforts in Gaza, envisioning a transformed region along the Mediterranean coast.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has persisted for decades, with Palestinian statehood at its core. Saudi Arabia has consistently supported the notion of an independent Palestinian state as a prerequisite for its relations with Israel. Recent developments, including calls for the displacement of Gazans following extensive military actions in the region, have reignited discussions on the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and the prospect for peace in the Middle East. Saudi leaders advocate for international recognition and support for Palestine, viewing it as essential for durable peace.
Saudi Arabia’s firm rejection of displacing Gazans underlines its unwavering support for Palestinian rights and statehood. The Kingdom has reiterated that any diplomatic relations with Israel are contingent upon the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, adhering to internationally recognized borders. Ongoing advocacy for Palestinian rights and international community involvement reflects Saudi Arabia’s role in addressing the humanitarian crisis and advancing peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
