Saudi Arabia has firmly stated that the idea of developing relations or recognizing Israel is completely off the table until the creation of a Palestinian state is achieved.
Addressing a United Nations conference focused on the two-state solution, co-organized by Saudi Arabia and France, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan made this position clear.
Prince Faisal stressed that implementing a two-state solution lies at the heart of regional stability, adding that this conference serves as a crucial step forward in the pursuit of peace. He poignantly noted, “Security, stability, and prosperity for all the people of the region begin with delivering justice to the Palestinians.”
He asserted that the Palestinian population must be empowered to claim their legitimate rights, with the paramount right being the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the boundaries of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also emphasized that the Arab Peace Initiative offers a fair and equitable framework for resolving the conflict.
Prince Faisal further urged an immediate end to the humanitarian catastrophe ongoing in Gaza and declared that Saudi Arabia and France have partnered with the World Bank to provide $300 million in aid to Palestine.
Days before the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron announced he would formally recognize Palestinian statehood in September, provoking strong opposition from Israel and the United States.
Luxembourg hinted Monday that it could follow France and recognize a Palestinian state in September, with the possibility that other countries could announce similar plans when the conference resumes Tuesday.
“All states have a responsibility to act now,” said Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Mustafa at the start of the meeting, calling for an international force to help underwrite Palestinian statehood.
He called for the world to recognize Palestinian statehood, while later demanding that Hamas surrender control of the Gaza Strip and its arms as part of a deal to end fighting in the territory.
France is hoping Britain will follow its lead. More than 200 British members of parliament on Friday voiced support for the idea, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that recognition of a Palestinian state “must be part of a wider plan.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the meeting “the two-state solution is farther than ever before.”
According to an AFP database, at least 142 of the 193 UN member states now recognize the Palestinian state proclaimed by the Palestinian leadership in exile in 1988.