Saudi Says No Israel Ties Without Palestinian State

News Desk

Islamabad: Saudi Arabia has reiterated that it will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel unless a Palestinian state is created, countering statements made by US President Donald Trump, who claimed the kingdom had dropped such demands.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “clear and explicit” position, reaffirming the kingdom’s steadfast support for Palestinian statehood and its firm opposition to any efforts to displace Palestinians from their land.

The statement came a day after Trump’s controversial remarks, in which he suggested the United States would “take over” Gaza, resettle its Palestinian population, and develop the area into what he termed the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump asserted that Saudi Arabia was no longer insisting on a Palestinian state as a prerequisite for normalization with Israel.

However, Saudi Arabia’s response directly contradicted this, stressing that its stance on the Palestinian cause remains “non-negotiable.”

In a separate development, President Trump unveiled a controversial proposal for the United States to “take over” the Gaza Strip, overseeing its redevelopment into a thriving region.

Speaking from the White House with Netanyahu by his side, Trump announced that the US would lead efforts to clear debris, remove unexploded ordnance, and lay the groundwork for large-scale investment to transform Gaza.

Trump further stated, “The US will take over Gaza, and we’ll make it work. We’ll own it,” outlining plans for job creation and housing in the area.

This proposal marks a sharp departure from traditional US policies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has already sparked widespread criticism from Palestinian leaders and human rights groups.