In its session held today, Tuesday, in Riyadh, chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Cabinet welcomed the launch of what was described as “the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan in Gaza.” The Cabinet commended the Palestinian National Committee for commencing its duties in managing the Gaza Strip, while also appreciating the international efforts exerted in this regard, including the initiatives announced by US President Donald Trump concerning the establishment of a peace council.
The historical context of the Saudi position
This Saudi position is consistent with its longstanding foreign policy and its historical role in supporting the Palestinian cause. The Kingdom has consistently been at the forefront of countries calling for a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict, based on the two-state solution and relevant UN resolutions. The Arab Peace Initiative, launched by the Kingdom at the Beirut Summit in 2002, is a prime example of this commitment, offering a comprehensive vision for peace in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The importance of the initiative and its expected impact
Any step towards achieving peace in Gaza is of paramount importance given the complex humanitarian situation the residents of the Strip have endured for many years. The blockade and repeated conflicts have led to a sharp deterioration in economic and social conditions. Therefore, Saudi support for any serious initiative is seen as a significant boost to diplomatic efforts at both the regional and international levels. This welcome sends a clear message about the need for the international community to unite in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinians and opening new horizons for the future, thereby ensuring security and stability for the entire region.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite the cautious optimism surrounding these developments, significant challenges remain. The internal Palestinian division and the fragile security situation constitute major obstacles to any lasting settlement. The success of such plans depends heavily on international guarantees and the commitment of all parties to implementing their provisions, as well as the necessity of involving the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people in all stages of the peace process to ensure its sustainability. The Saudi Cabinet's welcome underscores the Kingdom's hope that this new phase will lead to concrete steps on the ground that contribute to ending the conflict, achieving security and stability, and ultimately enabling the Palestinian people to attain their legitimate rights.
