Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its support for an independent Palestinian state, contradicting President Trump’s recent statement on the matter. In a statement released early Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said that Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a Palestinian state is “firm and unwavering.” This stance puts it at odds with President Trump, who suggested that Saudi Arabia was not pressuring Israel to establish ties unless a Palestinian state was created.
The US President had proposed moving all Palestinians out of Gaza and making it a US territory during his visit to the White House on Tuesday. However, this idea has been met with strong opposition from Saudi Arabia. The kingdom reiterated its “unequivocal rejection” of any attempts to infringe on the rights of the Palestinian people.
The Geneva Conventions prohibit the forcible relocation of populations, and both the US and Israel have ratified these international laws. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting over 45,000 deaths and widespread destruction.
A lasting end to the fighting in Gaza is crucial for the Trump administration’s ambitions in the Middle East. Despite this, Saudi Arabia remains committed to a Palestinian state, which it believes is essential for establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/us/politics/saudi-arabia-palestine-trump-gaza.html