Saudi Arabia Says No Diplomatic Ties with Israel Before Recognition of Independent Palestinian State

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, holds talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, holds talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Says No Diplomatic Ties with Israel Before Recognition of Independent Palestinian State

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, holds talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, holds talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

The Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s steadfast position “towards the Palestinian cause and the need for the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights.”

The Kingdom renewed its call on the international community, “especially the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, that haven’t yet recognized a Palestinian state to do so urgently.” The state should be based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“This will allow the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights and achieve comprehensive and just peace for all,” added the ministry.

“On the discussions that have taken place between Saudi Arabia and the United States regarding Arab-Israeli peace, and in wake of the remarks made by the American National Security Adviser, the Saudi Foreign Ministry stressed that the Kingdom’s position has and will always be steadfast towards the Palestinian cause and the need for the brotherly Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights,” it continued.

“The Kingdom has informed the American administration of its steadfast stance and that diplomatic relations will not be established with Israel without the recognition of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital,” continued the ministry.

It also demanded “an end to the Israeli aggression on Gaza and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the enclave.”



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.