Riyadh asserts that lasting peace in Gaza can only be achieved through the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday firmly rejecting any attempts to forcibly relocate Palestinians, reiterating its unwavering support for a Palestinian state.
This statement follows US President Donald Trump’s suggestion of a US takeover of Gaza. During a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump proposed US control of Gaza, rebuilding efforts, and transforming the region into a “Riviera of the Middle East.” He also reiterated his stance on permanently resettling Palestinians outside Gaza.
Although not explicitly addressing Trump’s comments, the Saudi Foreign Ministry’s statement appears to be a direct response to this proposal.
The ministry declared its unequivocal rejection of any actions undermining the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including Israeli settlement policies, annexation of Palestinian lands, or displacement efforts.
The statement emphasized that lasting peace requires Palestinians securing their legitimate right to statehood, urging more peace-seeking nations to recognize the State of Palestine based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The ministry stressed that Saudi Arabia will not normalize relations with Israel unless this condition is met, highlighting its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Trump’s US takeover proposal as innovative thinking.
A key component of the proposal involves relocating Gaza’s approximately two million residents to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. Trump claimed regional leaders supported the plan but offered no details on its implementation.
This proposal has sparked widespread condemnation in the Middle East and internationally, with human rights organizations labeling it as ethnic cleansing.
The Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, stated on Wednesday that instead of relocation, Palestinians in Gaza should be allowed to return to their homes in what is now Israel.
“For those advocating for relocating” Gazans “to a desirable location,” Mansour said, “let them return to their original homes within Israel. There are suitable places there, and they would gladly return.”
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli attacks over the past 15 months have resulted in approximately 47,500 Palestinian deaths and over 111,500 injuries. UN data indicates that 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced by the conflict.
Israel initiated its military operation in Gaza following a Hamas cross-border raid that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages. A US-brokered ceasefire is currently in effect, with ongoing prisoner exchanges. Israeli authorities report 79 hostages remain in Gaza, 35 of whom are presumed dead.