Palestinian state is non-negotiable, no normalisation with Israel until then: Saudi

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to Palestinian statehood as a precondition for normalizing relations with Israel, a stance emphasized by the Kingdom’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, during a recent speech at Chatham House’s London Conference. He stressed that while normalization is crucial for regional peace, stability, and security, it cannot come at the expense of Palestinian rights, Arab News reported.

Prince Khalid underscored the necessity of compromises to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, noting its unique global impact compared to other conflicts. He warned of dire consequences if the ongoing situation in Gaza remains unaddressed, predicting an escalation into a broader regional conflict with international repercussions. He emphasized that finding a solution is critical to prevent further destabilization and loss of hope among Palestinians.

The ambassador reiterated that Saudi Arabia's position remains steadfast: the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is non-negotiable. Without addressing the Palestinian issue, he argued, normalization efforts would be futile as the root cause of conflict would persist. Prince Khalid pointed out that a peaceful resolution to the conflict would pave the way for comprehensive regional cooperation, making normalization meaningful and sustainable.

Saudi Arabia, as a pivotal nation in the region, holds significant leverage in facilitating broader acceptance of Israel within the Arab and Muslim world. However, Prince Khalid stressed that Israel must also be willing to engage constructively and accept the creation of a Palestinian state as part of any lasting peace agreement.

He expressed frustration over the lack of global attention to Saudi Arabia’s consistent position on the matter, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Kingdom’s stance, rooted in the Arab Peace Initiative, advocates for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders. This proposal, initially presented by King Fahd in 1982, remains central to Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts, despite being overlooked repeatedly in international discourse. Prince Khalid lamented the insufficient media coverage of Saudi Arabia’s peace initiatives and the misperceptions about its role and intentions in the conflict.

He called for a renewed focus on achieving a permanent solution for the Palestinians, which he believes would lead to enduring peace and stability in the region. The ambassador emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s leadership, from King Salman to the Crown Prince, consistently supports the creation of a Palestinian state and views it as essential for regional harmony.