Saudi FM Warns of Worse ‘Flare-Up’ if Peace Agreement Fails

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan warned on Saturday that Israel's approach to the war in Gaza does not enhance its security but rather further increases threats to it.
Prince Farhan stressed that most Palestinians support the two-state solution, cautioning that if a solution is not reached, "the next explosion will be worse."
The Saudi Foreign Minister said in a panel discussion on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2024 that Israel's "excessive response" in Gaza would inevitably inflame the feelings, saying it could lead to an increase in extremism.
The death toll is approaching 30,000 civilians, and at least 17,000 children have become orphans as a result of the ongoing crisis, said the FM, adding that the "tragedy we are witnessing" would mobilize many emotions and risks revitalizing the idea that coexistence is not possible.
Prince Faisal stressed that Saudi Arabia's priority now is to deal with the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and focus on a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israelis from Gaza, and increasing aid to the Palestinians.
He added, "It is unacceptable that we have not yet been able to resolve the simple issue of access for humanitarian goods into Gaza."
The Saudi minister also reiterated that the path to regional security and stability could be realized through the establishment of a Palestinian state, calling on the international community to focus on this.
The top diplomat indicated that the Kingdom is not in direct talks with Israel, asserting that there are no relations with Tel Aviv.
Riyadh confirmed through the US that "the highest priority is to address the humanitarian crisis and end the conflict," said bin Farhan, adding that normalization discussions can be opened afterward.
He stressed that the priority in discussions with Israel after its resumption "will be the establishment of a Palestinian state."
The FM said the Palestinians have the right to self-determination, the most important solution to ensure international security and stability.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan added that Saudi Arabia's normalization with Israel depends on the Arab Peace Initiative.
"Normalization of relations with Israel depends on implementing the Arab Peace Treaty. We do not talk to them directly," he said.
He explained that Palestinians must be able to decide their fate to ensure sustainable security, which requires difficult decisions within Israel as well.
Prince Faisal refused to blame any party for the delay in reaching a peace agreement, saying it can't be placed on any side, but the time has come to put all efforts to achieve peace, including those who stood as an obstacle whether it was Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, or Israel.
For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that Egypt informed Israel that the deportations of Rafah residents is a "red line" and constitutes a threat to Egypt's national security.
Speaking at the same panel, Shoukry added that there are catastrophic consequences of displacing the population of Gaza.
The Egyptian FM said that the lack of political will within the international community has obstructed reaching a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians over the past years, adding that both parties must make concessions to reach an agreement.
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Prince Faisal held a series of bilateral meetings where he met Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Bonne, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Leader of British Labour Party Keir Starmer, and Shadow Foreign Minister David Lammy.
On Friday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his British counterpart, David Cameron.
The two officials addressed the bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.
Prince Faisal also met with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, have discussed ways to develop and expand relations to serve the common interests of all sides and foster growth and prosperity.

During Friday’s meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the deep ties between the UAE and the European Union, as well as the ongoing commitment to strengthening these relations to support their shared goals and promote peace and development at both the regional and global levels.

The meeting also touched upon the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union summit scheduled for October in Brussels. The UAE President and Michel emphasized the significance of the summit in advancing relations, especially in economic and developmental areas, and setting the stage for further progress in the years ahead.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the European Council President also reviewed several regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly developments in the Middle East. They underscored the importance of reaching an urgent ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip to allow for adequate humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of its residents. They also stressed the need to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank and to push for a permanent and stable peace process based on the two-state solution.

Both sides emphasized the seriousness of escalating tensions in the region and the critical need for international efforts to contain and prevent the expansion of conflicts, which pose a threat to regional security and stability.

Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s support for all efforts aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza and fostering stability and peace in the region. He also highlighted the UAE's commitment to cooperating with the European Union and other concerned parties to enhance the humanitarian response to the worsening situation in Gaza and support regional stability.

Charles Michel praised the UAE's position in support of Gulf-European cooperation and its influential humanitarian role in Gaza. He also commended the UAE’s contributions to peace and stability in the Middle East.

Saudi FM Warns of Worse ‘Flare-Up’ if Peace Agreement Fails