Saudi Arabia Reiterates Stance: No Normalization with Israel Without a Palestinian State

Saudi Arabia Reiterates Stance: No Normalization with Israel Without a Palestinian State

Saudi Arabia has firmly stated that it will not pursue diplomatic relations with Israel until a Palestinian state is established. This assertion directly contradicts recent remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that the Saudis are not insisting on a Palestinian homeland during discussions about the Gaza Strip.

At a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump proposed that the U.S. government could take control of the Gaza Strip. This region has been devastated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has seen significant humanitarian challenges.

Trump articulated, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will manage it responsibly.” He emphasized the need to dismantle unexploded ordnance and other dangerous materials from the area.

He continued by stating, “We will level the site, remove the rubble of destroyed buildings, and create economic opportunities that will provide jobs and housing for local residents.” Trump expressed a desire to implement a radically different approach, asserting that returning to previous strategies would only replicate decades of conflict.

Saudi Foreign Ministry Responds Firmly

In response, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry issued a statement reiterating its long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause. The ministry emphasized that attempts to displace Palestinians from their homeland would not be tolerated and affirmed that the Saudi position on this matter is non-negotiable.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made it clear that the kingdom’s stance is firmly established, leaving no room for alternative interpretations.

Displacement of Palestinians: A Sensitive Issue

The issue of displacing Palestinians is particularly sensitive for Arab nations and the Palestinian people, especially given Trump’s previous statements suggesting that neighboring countries should absorb Palestinian refugees. He has called on Jordan and Egypt to take in more Palestinians as part of his proposed solution for Gaza.

During a recent address, Trump remarked, “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we might just clear out the entire area. It’s over then.” Such comments have raised alarms among Palestinians, who fear a repeat of the catastrophic events of 1948, often referred to as the Nakba.

The Nakba: A Historical Context

The term