In a move reflecting its longstanding and unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a substantial financial contribution of up to one billion dollars aimed at alleviating the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people. This announcement was made by His Excellency Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, during his address to the Peace Council. He emphasized that this support is a continuation of the Kingdom's steadfast positions in support of its Palestinian brothers and sisters.
Historical background of ongoing support
Saudi support for the Palestinian cause is not a recent development; it has been an integral part of the Kingdom's foreign policy since its founding. For decades, Saudi Arabia has provided substantial political, diplomatic, and material support to the Palestinians, both through direct governmental channels and via international and regional organizations such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the Arab League. This new pledge is a continuation of this approach, particularly given the dire humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, where living conditions are deteriorating and the need for urgent assistance is growing.
The Arab Peace Initiative: The cornerstone of a just solution
In his address, Minister Al-Jubeir noted that the Arab Peace Initiative, presented by the Kingdom at the Beirut Summit in 2002, remains the clearest and most comprehensive path to achieving a just and lasting peace in the region. Based on the principle of “land for peace,” the initiative calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in exchange for the normalization of relations between Arab states and Israel. This renewed emphasis on the initiative underscores the Kingdom’s strategic vision that a military solution will not bring security to any party, and that a comprehensive peace is the only option to guarantee stability in the Middle East.
The importance and expected impact of the Saudi contribution
This substantial financial support carries multifaceted significance. On the humanitarian front, this billion dollars is expected to contribute to providing basic necessities such as food, medicine, and shelter, as well as supporting reconstruction projects for damaged infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water treatment plants. Politically, this step sends a powerful message to the international community that the Palestinian cause remains a top priority for the Arab and Islamic world, and that the Kingdom will continue to leverage its diplomatic and economic influence to garner international support for a just solution that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international law.
