Saudi Arabia says no to displacement of Gazans, rejects relations with Israel without Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said its long-held position that Palestinians must have their own independent state was firm and not open to negotiation. (@KSAMOFA)
Short Url
Updated 05 February 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia says no to displacement of Gazans, rejects relations with Israel without Palestinian state

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said its long-held position that Palestinians must have their own independent state was firm and not open to negotiation, a stance Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reiterated many times before.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry statement came shortly after President Donald Trump said he wants the US to own the Gaza Strip after all Palestinians are displaced from there and sent to other countries, where settlements will be constructed for them.

The Kingdom’s position has been a longstanding one with its leaders repeatedly calling for justice for Palestinians, who they say deserve a state of their own alongside Israel as a way to find a lasting solution to the decades long conflict.

Saudi leaders have repeatedly said any formal relations between the Kingdom and Israel hinge on the creation of a viable Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

The ministry statement highlighted a speech by the crown prince at the Shura Council on September 18, 2024, where he stressed that Saudi Arabia will continue its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, adding the Kingdom will not normalize ties with Israel without it.

The crown prince expressed a similar sentiment during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on Nov. 11, 2024, where he stressed the continuation of efforts to establish a Palestinian state and demanded an end to Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.

He also urged more countries to recognize the State of Palestine, stressing the importance of mobilizing the international community to support the rights of Palestinians, which were expressed in the resolutions of the UN General Assembly by considering Palestine eligible for full membership of the world body.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also stresses its previously announced categorical rejection of any violation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, annexation of Palestinian territories, or attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land,” the statement added.

Trump, standing next to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, said the Palestinians would be better off living outside of Gaza which has been bombed to rubble during Israel’s brutal 15-month attack.

“I don’t think people should be going back,” Trump said. “You can’t live in Gaza right now. I think we need another location. I think it should be a location that’s going to make people happy.”

The president insists Egypt and Jordan would have to take the Gazans he plans to displace. Both countries have rejected the idea outright.

The Kingdom said that it’s the international community’s duty to work to alleviate the severe human suffering of the Palestinian people, who will remain in their land.

“Lasting and just peace cannot be achieved without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, and this is what was previously explained to the previous and current American administrations,” the ministry statement said.

WORLD REACTS TO TRUMP'S PLAN

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Wednesday praised Saudi Arabia’s stance in favor of the establishment of a Palestinian State and the kingdom’s rejection of displacing Palestinians. 

Abbas also “strongly rejected” Trump's proposal to take over Gaza.

“President Mahmud Abbas and the Palestinian leadership expressed their strong rejection of calls to seize the Gaza Strip and displace Palestinians outside their homeland,” Abbas's office said in a statement, adding that “legitimate Palestinian rights are not negotiable”.

In a statement on Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates’s foreign ministry said the country categorically rejects any attempt to displace the Palestinians and deny them “inalienable rights.”

Jordan’s King Abdullah said he rejected any attempts to annex land and displace Palestinians.
“His Majesty King Abdullah II stresses the need to put a stop to (Israeli) settlement expansion, expressing rejection of any attempts to annex land and displace the Palestinians,” the Jordanian royal court said in a post on X.
While receiving Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, King Abdullah affirmed full Jordanian support for the Palestinians.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also lashed out at Trump's proposal, saying “this is an unacceptable issue,” in statements to Anadolu news agency.

Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou said the proposal is a “racist” idea.

“The American racist stance aligns with the Israeli extreme right's position in displacing our people and eliminating our cause,” al-Qanou said in a statement.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Wednesday said: “I want to be very clear on this: Gaza is the land of Gazan Palestinians and they must stay in Gaza”.

“Gaza is part of the future Palestinian state Spain supports and has to coexist guaranteeing the Israeli state's prosperity and safety,” he added.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for swift reconstruction of Gaza Wednesday without the displacement of Palestinians from the territory. 

France said Wednesday the future of Gaza must not involve “control by a third state” following Trump's remarks. 

The French foreign ministry said it “will continue to campaign for the implementation of the two-state solution, the only one that can guarantee long-term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” 

The Kremlin said in a statement that Russia believes a settlement in the Middle East is only possible on the basis of a two-state solution. 

“This is the thesis that is enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolution, this is the thesis that is shared by the overwhelming majority of countries involved in this problem. We proceed from it, we support it and believe that this is the only possible option.”  

British Foreign Minister David Lammy said it should be ensured that Palestinians have a future in their homeland, saying: “We've always been clear in our belief that we must see two states. We must see Palestinians live and prosper in their homelands in Gaza and the West Bank”.

The UN Human Rights Office said any forcible transfer in or deportation of people from occupied territory breaches international law.

“It is crucial that we move towards the next phase of the ceasefire, to release all hostages and arbitrarily detained prisoners, end the war and reconstruct Gaza, with full respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” said the UNHR in a statement to Reuters.

“Any forcible transfer in or deportation of people from occupied territory is strictly prohibited,” it said. 


KSA cracks down on non-compliant Umrah transport

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

KSA cracks down on non-compliant Umrah transport

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has apprehended several violators for transporting Umrah performers using non-compliant buses as part of a field control initiative it conducted.

The authority clarified that this campaign is part of its ongoing monitoring efforts to ensure that transport facilities comply with regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The initiative aims to enhance the safety and security of Umrah performers, and the authority has urged all establishments to adhere to the approved regulations.

It emphasized that these campaigns are designed to enhance compliance, elevate service quality, and ensure the safety of transport service users, SPA added.

Recently, the Transport General Authority fined over 400 foreign trucks in several regions of the Kingdom for regulatory offenses.


Historic Al-Safa Mosque in Baha restored in traditional Sarawat style

Updated 4 min 55 sec ago
Follow

Historic Al-Safa Mosque in Baha restored in traditional Sarawat style

  • The mosque, distinguished by its Sarawat-style construction, was renovated to preserve its historical integrity

RIYADH: Al-Safa Mosque, a 13th-century landmark in the Baha region, has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to revitalize Baha’s architectural heritage and highlight its cultural significance.

The mosque, distinguished by its Sarawat-style construction, was renovated to preserve its historical integrity while enhancing its structural and aesthetic elements.

The restoration in Baljurashi governorate prioritized the use of natural materials. Sarawat Mountain stone and locally sourced wood were used for the ceilings, columns, windows and doors, maintaining the structure’s authenticity.

The mosque’s footprint, at 78 sq. meters, and its capacity, accommodating 31 worshippers, was unchanged by the restoration.

Built about 1,350 years ago, Al-Safa Mosque is situated within a network of buildings and narrow passages typical of the region’s high mountain villages.

The structure is notable for its stone construction and limited openings. Distinctive juniper columns support the mosque, and the restoration includes preserving and redeveloping these columns, incorporating traditional staircase carvings.

Historical accounts suggest that the mosque was established by the Prophet’s companion Sufyan bin Auf Al-Ghamdi. Historically it served as a vital social hub, facilitating communal gatherings for resolving disputes and discussing village affairs, especially between Maghrib and Isha prayers.

It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two of the project, which includes six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.

Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, in which 30 mosques were restored in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.

The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage.

Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.

The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.


KSrelief expands food aid across global crisis zones

Updated 8 min 41 sec ago
Follow

KSrelief expands food aid across global crisis zones

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In Pakistan, 4,790 packages were distributed to families in need across Balochistan, Kashmir, and Punjab as a part of the Etaam Ramadan project, benefiting 32,631 individuals. 

In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,550 packages to vulnerable families in Baidoa, benefiting 6,930 people. 

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million). 

Additionally, KSrelief provided 600 packages in Port Sudan, benefiting 3,057 impoverished and displaced people. 

In Lebanon, the Saudi Arabia aid agency distributed 800 packages to needy families in Sidon, benefiting 4,000 individuals.


Saudi Arabia gears up for Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27

Updated 25 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia gears up for Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27

Riyadh: As Saudi Arabia prepares to mark Saudi Green Initiative Day on March 27, the Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

The national event highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat climate change while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In the lead-up to the occasion, the Saudi Green Initiative launched several interactive campaigns during Ramadan to encourage public participation in sustainable practices.

Social media users can still contribute by sharing their photos on the Saudi Green Initiative Day Photo Board, a show of the community’s dedication to eco-friendly initiatives.

The initiative’s mascot, Nomoor, continues to engage youth and children through the “30 Positive Steps to Protect the Environment” challenge, promoting sustainable habits across all age groups.

Three winners of the challenge will be announced on Saudi Green Initiative Day in recognition of their contributions.

With the submission deadline approaching, participants are encouraged to highlight their sustainable Ramadan practices and join the challenge. 

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Green Initiative Day underscores the Kingdom’s ambitious sustainability goals, calling for collective action in climate efforts and environmental awareness.


Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip

Updated 24 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip
  • Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s recognition of illegal settlements in the Occupied West Bank and the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip on Monday.

The ministry said it categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

“(Saudi Arabia condemns) Israeli occupation authorities’ announcement of the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said in a statement.

Israel said it is creating a government agency to oversee the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip following approval from the Israeli security cabinet over the weekend.

Since late 2023, at least 50,000 people have been killed during the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, and almost 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza are now internally displaced.

Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia also condemned the approval of 13 illegal settler outposts in the West Bank over the weekend. The Saudi ministry said that the decision was made “in preparation for their legalization as colonial settlements.”

It added that lasting peace can only be achieved if the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and establish an independent state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.