Saudi Arabia Refutes Trump: No Relations with Israel Without a Palestinian State

In a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent declarations, Saudi Arabia has reiterated its longstanding position regarding relations with Israel, firmly stating that it will not establish ties unless a Palestinian state is created. This stance was made clear following Trump’s comments suggesting that the Saudis were not demanding a Palestinian homeland during discussions about U.S. control of the Gaza Strip.

Trump’s Gaza Proposal Raises Eyebrows

During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump expressed a desire for the U.S. to take control of the Gaza Strip, an area significantly affected by ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas. He proposed relocating Palestinians out of the region to facilitate this takeover.

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too,” Trump stated at the White House. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive cleanup, stating, “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexplored bombs and other weapons on the site.” He added that Israel’s obliteration of the Gaza landscape could lead to new opportunities for economic development in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Firm Stance

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Saudi foreign ministry rejected any proposals aimed at displacing the Palestinian people from their homeland. The ministry stressed that the kingdom’s position regarding the Palestinians is immutable and non-negotiable.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly declared the kingdom’s position in an unambiguous manner, emphasizing the critical nature of Palestinian rights in any diplomatic discussions.

Heightened Sensitivity Surrounding Displacement Proposals

The issue of Palestinian displacement remains a highly sensitive topic, not only for Palestinians but also for neighboring Arab nations. Trump’s suggestions have been met with much irritation and concern among those deeply affected by the ongoing conflict.

On January 25, Trump remarked that he would like Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab countries to absorb more Palestinian refugees from Gaza. He described a scenario in which enough people could be relocated to effectively “clean out” the region.