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
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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 Arabia Affirms Its Full Right to Take all Necessary Measures to Protect its Security, Territorial Integrity

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Affirms Its Full Right to Take all Necessary Measures to Protect its Security, Territorial Integrity

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired a Cabinet session held on Tuesday via video conference.

The Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on the content of recent phone calls with the leaders of several brotherly and friendly countries, within the framework of ongoing consultations on the latest developments in the region and their repercussions on regional and international security and stability.

The Cabinet strongly condemned the heinous Iranian attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and a number of Arab, Islamic, and friendly countries, the insistence on threatening security and stability, and the blatant violation of international conventions and international law by attacking civilian targets, airports, and oil facilities.

The Cabinet affirmed the Kingdom's full right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and to deter aggression. It commended the capabilities of the Saudi air defenses in intercepting and destroying hostile missiles and drones that attempted to target sites and facilities within the Kingdom.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary stated to the SPA, following the session that the Cabinet reviewed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing role, stemming from its approach of supporting solidarity, cooperation, and coordination with its Gulf and Arab neighbors in addressing current regional challenges.

The Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the statements issued by the GCC-European Union ministerial meeting and the League of Arab States ministerial meeting, which both condemned the blatant Iranian attacks.

The Cabinet then discussed several reports on domestic affairs, noting the recommendations from the 33rd annual meeting of the governors of the regions, which focused on supporting development opportunities, enhancing the capabilities of various sectors, and continuing to improve development services.

The Cabinet also addressed the state's keen interest in strengthening the charitable sector, consolidating the values of giving, and presenting a model to be emulated in philanthropy and solidarity. It commended the success of the sixth edition of the National Campaign for Charitable Work (Ehsan), building upon the successes achieved in previous years.

The Cabinet considered the celebration of Flag Day, which falls on March 11, as a reaffirmation of pride in its significance and symbolism in the history of the Saudi state, its founding, unification, and development, and in its embodiment of the Kingdom's established principles and national identity.


Qatar Says Iran Must Halt Attacks before Any Talks

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)
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Qatar Says Iran Must Halt Attacks before Any Talks

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari stressed on Tuesday that Iran needed to halt its attacks before any talks can be held.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha, he said Qatar is being attacked daily by Iran, “so we cannot speak of any talks with it before it ceases its assaults.”

Contacts are ongoing with all parties to ensure an end to the conflict, he added, while accusing Iran of attacking civilian infrastructure in Qatar.

Moreover, he described as a “dangerous precedent” Iran’s attacks on energy facilities, saying they will cause economic losses in the region and have global consequences.

“The best solution lies in ending attacks on our energy facilities,” al-Ansari said in response to whether escorting ships in the Hormuz Strait was a viable option.

He revealed that since the eruption of the war, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had held only one telephone call with Iran’s foreign minister.

However, channels of contact with Tehran have not been completely severed, al-Ansari said. Doha is now focusing on de-escalation and ending the attacks.

Furthermore, he hoped that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s apology to Gulf countries over the attacks would have actually meant that they would end.

Instead, the attacks continued, rendering the apology meaningless, al-Ansari stressed.

“Any attack on Qatar will be handled in the appropriate manner,” he went on to say. “Confronting the Iranian aggression has become a priority given its impact on Qatar’s and the global economy.”

Al-Ansari said the armed forces have succeeded in defending the nation and repelling rocket and drone attacks that have targeted vital and civilian installations.

Qatar still believes in diplomacy and welcomes any role that can end the war, he continued. “Attacks against Qatar and its people are unacceptable. Leaders are working tirelessly to stop the assaults.”

Earlier, the Defense Ministry said the armed forces repelled a rocket attack.

On Monday, Doha confronted 17 ballistic missile and six drone attacks.


King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
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King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) on Monday to review operational readiness and capabilities.

He inspected combat aircraft operated by the Bahrain Defense Force, which are among the most advanced of their kind in the world, reported the kingdom’s state news agency BNA.

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen, commending their combat readiness and high level of skill as they stand united in joint operations with their counterparts in air defense and various units of the Bahrain Defense Force in carrying out their national duty to defend the kingdom, safeguard the security of its citizens, and protect its development process.

Bahrain will remain steadfast in its approach grounded in wisdom, moderation, and the promotion of peace and cooperation, continuing with confidence to fulfill its national and humanitarian responsibilities while strengthening its relations with its Arab, regional, and international partners in ways that support the security and stability of the region, he stressed.

He also praised the professionalism, discipline, and strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by Bahrain Defense Force servicemen across their various posts, emphasizing that the Bahrain Defense Force will remain committed to its role in safeguarding security, stability, and development of the kingdom.