Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Stance on Palestinian State After Trump Comments on Gaza
Following remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding the future of the Gaza Strip, Saudi Arabia has reiterated its long-standing position that normalization of relations with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, Al Jazeera reports.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to this principle.
“The establishment of the Palestinian state is a firm, unwavering position,” the statement read, referencing comments from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The statement clarified that Saudi Arabia would not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Trump, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, suggested the US would “take over” Gaza, resettle Palestinians, and develop the territory economically.
These comments contrast with Saudi Arabia’s continued support for the Arab Peace Initiative, which conditions diplomatic recognition of Israel on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Other Arab nations have also reacted cautiously to Trump’s statements. A Qatari official indicated that discussions about the future control of Gaza are premature given the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Qatar, a key mediator in the truce, is scheduled to hold talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday to discuss further steps.
The United States has previously engaged in diplomatic efforts to encourage Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, following the lead of countries like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which normalized ties under the Abraham Accords in 2020. However, the conflict in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has led Riyadh to pause these efforts.
Establishing ties with Saudi Arabia would be a significant development for Israel, given the Kingdom’s regional influence, importance in the Muslim world, and its position as the world’s largest oil exporter.
