No normalisation with Israel until Palestinian state is established: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has reiterated that the Kingdom will not normalise diplomatic relations with Israel unless a sovereign Palestinian state is established along the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Speaking at a conference in New York focused on the two-state solution, Prince Faisal stressed that the implementation of this solution is essential for achieving lasting peace and regional stability. He termed the conference “a milestone” in advancing efforts toward resolving the Palestinian-Israel conflict.

In a joint press briefing with French Minister Delegate Jean-Noel Barrot, Prince Faisal said, “For the kingdom, recognition is very much tied to the establishment of the Palestinian state.” He emphasised that genuine peace, security, and prosperity in the region must begin with justice for the Palestinian people.

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Addressing questions about potential Saudi participation in the Abraham Accords, the Saudi minister responded, “We certainly hope that the clear consensus shown today, which will be shown tomorrow as well, and the clear momentum towards establishing that Palestinian state can open the conversation about normalisation.”

He also reaffirmed the Arab Peace Initiative as a foundational framework for achieving a just and lasting solution to the conflict.

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Prince Faisal further called for an immediate end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging the international community to act swiftly. He noted that both Saudi Arabia and France support the allocation of $300 million to Palestine through the World Bank to help address urgent needs on the ground.

Meanwhile, France has announced plans to officially recognise the State of Palestine in September.