As part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to contain the crisis in the region, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received in Riyadh today His Excellency Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Vice President of the State of Palestine. This meeting comes at a critical time for the occupied Palestinian territories, amidst an unprecedented escalation that necessitates intensive Arab and international coordination.
In-depth discussions on the aggression against Gaza and the escalation in the West Bank
The meeting addressed in detail the evolving field and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, with both sides reviewing the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe afflicting the civilian population as a result of the ongoing military operations and the blockade. The discussion also highlighted the dangerous Israeli escalation in West Bank cities and refugee camps, and the accompanying violations that undermine prospects for stability. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the persistent breaches of the ceasefire and the necessity of compelling all parties to adhere to international law.
Economic support and the path to comprehensive peace
During the talks, both sides stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the importance of ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid and relief supplies to the Gaza Strip. In a related matter, the meeting addressed the financial crisis facing the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing the necessity of releasing withheld Palestinian funds and protecting the Palestinian banking system from collapse to guarantee the continued operation of Palestinian institutions.
Regarding the political track, the two sides discussed the commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan associated with US President Donald Trump, while emphasizing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s full support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which aims to strengthen the Palestinian home front.
A unified political horizon for the Palestinian state
Both sides commended the American efforts in this regard, and emphasized a crucial point concerning the future of the Palestinian cause: the importance of the geographical and political connection between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as a single, indivisible unit. They agreed to continue joint coordination with Arab brethren and international partners to ensure the Palestinian people attain their legitimate rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent and sovereign state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The meeting was attended on the Saudi side by His Highness Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Manal bint Hassan Radwan, reflecting the high level of interest in the Palestinian issue in Saudi diplomacy.
