Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Stance on Palestinian Statehood
Saudi Arabia has firmly reiterated that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established, directly opposing claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, emphasizing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “clear and explicit” position, reaffirming the kingdom’s unwavering support for Palestinian statehood and rejecting any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land.
This statement came in response to Trump’s recent announcement in which he claimed that Saudi Arabia had dropped its demand for a Palestinian state as a condition for normalization with Israel. Trump’s assertion was made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but Saudi Arabia’s response contradicted this claim, reaffirming that its stance on the Palestinian issue remains “non-negotiable.”
Trump’s Proposal for Gaza
In a controversial move, President Trump proposed that the United States would “take over” the Gaza Strip, following the resettlement of the Palestinian population. He described plans to develop Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” a drastic shift from U.S. policies on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trump outlined an ambitious plan to spearhead economic redevelopment in Gaza, including providing jobs and housing for the local population. His proposal also suggested clearing debris, dismantling unexploded ordnance, and laying the groundwork for large-scale investment. This announcement marks a significant departure from previous U.S. policy and has been swiftly condemned by Palestinian leaders and human rights organizations, who view it as an infringement on Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
