Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia on Tuesday explicitly conveyed to the United States its stance on diplomatic relations with Israel, making it clear that such ties will not be established without significant progress on the Palestinian issue. The Kingdom insists on the recognition of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In addition to this, Saudi Arabia demands an end to Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the area as prerequisites for any potential diplomatic engagement with Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, emphasizing the unwavering nature of Saudi Arabia’s position on the Palestinian issue and stressing the importance of the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights, Saudi Gazette reported.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions between Saudi Arabia and the US regarding the Arab-Israeli peace process. The spokesperson for the US National Security Council had recently commented on these discussions, further emphasizing their significance.
Saudi Arabia’s declaration represents a major development in Middle Eastern politics, demonstrating the Kingdom’s firm dedication to the Palestinian cause and setting clear conditions for any normalization of relations with Israel. Saudi Arabia underlined that resolving the Palestinian issue is crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has reiterated its call to the international community, especially urging the permanent member states of the Security Council that have not yet recognized the Palestinian state, to promptly do so.
The Kingdom advocates for the swift recognition of the Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, aiming to empower the Palestinian people to attain their legitimate rights and to ensure a comprehensive and just peace for all.