Saudi Arabia sends official delegation to occupied West Bank to reassure Palestinians
Saudi Arabia has made a historic move by sending an official delegation to the occupied West Bank for the first time in more than thirty years. This visit aims to reassure the Palestinians and assure them that the kingdom will continue to defend their cause, even in the event of normalization of relations between Riyadh and Israel.
This gesture comes in a context of diplomatic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, under pressure from the American government. Indeed, as the presidential election approaches in the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia are encouraged by the Biden administration to normalize their relations, like the Abraham Accords concluded in 2020.
These agreements, under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, led to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and three Arab countries. However, this normalization was seen by the Palestinian Authority as a “stab in the back” and sparked criticism within the international community.
In this context, the visit of Saudi Ambassador Nayef al-Sudaïri to Ramallah marks a real turning point. The ambassador reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, stressing that the Palestinian issue was a “fundamental pillar” of Saudi foreign policy. He also recalled the importance of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, presented by the Saudi kingdom, as a basis for any future agreement.
This gesture by Saudi Arabia illustrates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s growing interest in the Palestinian cause and his desire to promote peace and stability in the region. However, the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia remains a delicate subject, given Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and blockade of the Gaza Strip.
This visit by the Saudi delegation to the occupied West Bank demonstrates the evolution of regional relations in the Middle East and could potentially shake up the geopolitical scene in the region. However, it is important to emphasize that the situation remains complex and that true lasting peace can only be achieved with a just and equitable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In conclusion, the visit of the Saudi delegation to the occupied West Bank is a significant step towards the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. However, it is crucial not to forget the plight of the Palestinians and ensure that their legitimate national rights are respected and guaranteed in any peace process.