New York, – Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Palestinian rights, condemning recent Israeli actions in the West Bank as a violation of international law. The Kingdom’s position was articulated during a ministerial session of the UN Security Council focused on the Middle East, held on .
Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered a strong statement criticizing the Israeli authorities’ designation of lands in the West Bank as “state land.” He characterized the move as a “grave violation of international law,” reiterating that Israel holds no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories. The condemnation comes amid growing international concern over escalating tensions and the potential for further instability in the region.
The Saudi envoy underscored the necessity of advancing a “just and lasting peace” through the implementation of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. This long-held position reflects the Kingdom’s consistent advocacy for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. The call for a two-state solution is a cornerstone of international diplomatic efforts, though its practical implementation remains a significant challenge.
Beyond the condemnation of land designation, Ambassador Alwasil also called for the protection of humanitarian organizations and the facilitation of aid access, particularly as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis. Ensuring the delivery of essential aid is critical to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian population.
The Saudi representative stressed the importance of preserving the territorial unity of Palestinian lands and securing an immediate end to the war in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and a significant loss of life, exacerbating the already challenging humanitarian situation. A cessation of hostilities is seen as a crucial step towards de-escalation and the creation of an environment conducive to meaningful negotiations.
This reaffirmation of support for Palestinian rights is not an isolated event. Saudi Arabia has consistently voiced its concerns regarding Israeli policies and actions that it deems detrimental to the peace process. , the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, calling the recent move illegal and a threat to the two-state solution. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, describing the decision as “null and void” and reaffirming its support for the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state.
The condemnation extends beyond regional actors. Several nations, including Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan, have also voiced their opposition to Israel’s actions, warning that such moves entrench Israeli control over occupied lands and obstruct the establishment of a Palestinian state. This broad international consensus highlights the growing concern over the potential for further escalation and the erosion of prospects for a peaceful resolution.
The timing of Saudi Arabia’s statement at the UN Security Council is particularly significant. The Council’s ministerial session provided a platform for the Kingdom to articulate its position on the Middle East and to urge the international community to take concrete steps to address the ongoing conflict. The call for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and the facilitation of humanitarian aid underscores the urgency of the situation.
The designation of West Bank lands as “state land” by Israel has been widely condemned as a provocative move that undermines the possibility of a two-state solution. Critics argue that such actions are intended to predetermine the outcome of any future negotiations and to consolidate Israeli control over the occupied territories. The move has been described as a “dangerous escalation” by observers, raising fears of further violence and instability.
Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for Palestinian rights reflects its long-standing commitment to the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Kingdom has historically played a key role in mediating between the parties and has consistently advocated for a just and comprehensive peace settlement. The current situation presents a significant challenge to these efforts, but Saudi Arabia remains committed to working with the international community to find a solution.
The international community faces a critical juncture in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ongoing violence, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the provocative actions by Israel all contribute to a volatile and dangerous situation. A renewed commitment to the two-state solution, coupled with concrete steps to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, is essential to preventing further escalation and achieving a lasting peace.
