Saudi Arabia’s Statement: A Firm Rejection of Liquidating the Palestinian Cause

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Riyadh. SPA file photo
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Riyadh. SPA file photo
TT

Saudi Arabia’s Statement: A Firm Rejection of Liquidating the Palestinian Cause

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Riyadh. SPA file photo
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Riyadh. SPA file photo

In a statement issued early Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is “firm and non-negotiable.”

The statement made clear that the Kingdom will not establish relations with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state, and that this stance “is not subject to negotiation or compromise.”

Saudi Arabia reiterated its absolute rejection of any violations of Palestinian rights, including Israeli settlement expansion, annexation of Palestinian land, and efforts to displace the Palestinian people.

The statement called on the international community to take responsibility for alleviating the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians, emphasizing that they “will remain steadfast on their land.”

It also stressed that a “just and lasting peace cannot be achieved without Palestinians obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international resolutions.” Saudi Arabia noted that this position had been conveyed to both past and present US administrations.

The statement followed remarks made by US President Donald Trump at a White House press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed Saudi Arabia’s firm stance, with President Mahmoud Abbas praising the Kingdom’s “sincere and principled opposition to settlement expansion, annexation, and displacement, while remaining committed to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”

He also acknowledged Riyadh’s continued diplomatic and humanitarian support for the Palestinian cause, including aid for Gaza, advocacy in international forums, and efforts to organize a global peace conference.

Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee, similarly commended Saudi Arabia’s “historic and unwavering commitment to Palestinian rights,” stating that a two-state solution is the “only path to security, stability, and peace in the region.”

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Political Analyst Muneef Al-Harbi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, tracing it back to King Abdulaziz’s 1945 meeting with US President Franklin Roosevelt.

He noted that the Kingdom has “never wavered in defending Palestinian rights and remains steadfast in rejecting any attempt to undermine them.”

Al-Harbi also stressed the need for international mobilization to support Palestinian rights and warned that military force, assassinations, and land annexation will not bring peace.

Instead, true stability can only be achieved through “the Saudi peace initiative, which calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

Political analyst Nidal Al-Sabe’ described Saudi Arabia’s response as “principled, moral, and sovereign,” calling for “a unified Arab and Islamic stance through the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s swift and firm rejection of any effort to liquidate the Palestinian cause sent a “strong message” affirming the Kingdom’s “refusal to negotiate on Palestinian rights.”



Saudi, Palestinian FMs Discuss Latest Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)
TT

Saudi, Palestinian FMs Discuss Latest Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks on Tuesday with his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.

The officials discussed bilateral ties and cooperation, as well as the latest developments in Gaza and the efforts to address the situation.


'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
TT

'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)
The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)

The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday the launch of the “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region.

The exercise is being conducted with the participation of branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, including land, air, naval, and air defense forces, as well as the Ministry of the National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the Unified Military Command of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and military forces from 15 allied and partner countries.

Spears of Victory 2026, one of the largest air exercises in the region, aims to enhance military partnerships, strengthen the exchange of expertise in planning and execution, raise combat readiness, and achieve advanced levels of operational coordination and integration among participating forces.

The exercise focuses on unifying the concept of joint military action, boosting joint operational readiness, and executing and evaluating tactics to address current and emerging threats. It includes a series of advanced training activities, such as joint and combined tactical operations, specialized academic lectures, and operational missions designed to improve the performance of aircrews, technical, and support personnel.

The exercise also evaluates modern military tactics, including electronic and cyber warfare, within a multidimensional operational environment that simulates real operational conditions.

Forces participating in the exercise include those from Bahrain, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Türkiye, the UK and United States.

The Air Warfare Center, one of the most advanced training facilities in the region, supports the development of combat plans, the assessment of capabilities, and the testing and evaluation of systems and weapons.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Demolition of UNRWA Buildings in Jerusalem

 Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)
Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)
TT

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Demolition of UNRWA Buildings in Jerusalem

 Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)
Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Tuesday the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of Israel's demolition of buildings belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem.

“Saudi Arabia reiterates its rejection of Israeli violations of international and humanitarian norms and laws and holds the international community responsible for addressing these practices” and Israel’s continued crimes against international relief organizations, it said in a statement.

“Saudi Arabia expresses its support for UNRWA in its humanitarian mission to provide relief to the Palestinian people and calls on the international community to protect relief organizations, their workers and facilities,” it urged.