Saudi Arabia shocks Donald Trump, refuses to establish ties with…, is this the failure of…?

Amid Donald Trump's announcement about the US "taking over" Gaza Strip, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said it will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel until the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Israel-Hamas war: In a major blow to US President Donald Trump’s Middle East policy and efforts to mend ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia — both major US allies in the region — Riyadh has stated that the oil-rich kingdom will not establish diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv until the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry stated that country’s stance on the establishment of a Palestinian state is “firm and unwavering” and recalled the statement made by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during his speech at the opening of the first session of the ninth term of the Shura Council on September 18 last year.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is firm and unwavering. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister clearly and unequivocally reaffirmed this stance during his speech at the opening of the first session of the ninth term of the Shura Council on September 18, 2024. His Royal Highness emphasized that Saudi Arabia will continue its relentless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that,” read the statement by Riyadh, hours after Donald Trump declared that the United States will “take over” Gaza Strip.

Saudi Arabia reaffirms support for Palestinian state

The Saudi foreign ministry statement said that the “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of any infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, land annexation, or attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land. The international community has a duty today to alleviate the severe humanitarian suffering endured by the Palestinian people, who will remain steadfast on their land and will not move from it”.

It further said that the country’s “unwavering position” on the matter is “non-negotiable and not subject to compromises”, adding that “achieving lasting and just peace is impossible without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international resolutions, as has been previously clarified to both the former and current US administrations.”

US will “take over” Gaza Strip, says Trump

Notably, Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) announced that the United States will take over the Gaza Strip, dismantle dangerous weapons, get rid of the destroyed buildings and work for economic development of the area.

“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site and getting rid of the destroyed buildings. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” Trump said at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (local time).

The US President also affirmed that the ongoing ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas will be the beginning of a larger and more enduring peace.

“I’m hopeful that this ceasefire could be the beginning of a larger and more enduring peace that will end the bloodshed and killing once and for all. With the same goal in mind, my administration has been moving quickly to restore trust in the alliance and rebuild American strength throughout the region,” he added.

Netanyahu hails Israel’s ‘greatest friend’

Meanwhile, Netanyahu thanked Trump for inviting him to be the first foreign leader to visit the US in his oath-taking ceremony during his second term and called him the “greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”

“I’m honoured that you (US President Donald Trump) invited me to be the first foreign leader to visit the White House in your second term. This is a testament to your friendship and support for the Jewish state and the Jewish people,” Netanyahu said.

Hailing Trump’s support for Israel, he added, “I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, you are the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House. And that’s why the people of Israel have such enormous respect for you.”

(With ANI inputs)