Wed Feb 05 22:52:42 IST 2025: **Saudi Arabia Rejects Trump’s Gaza Plan, Reiterates Commitment to Palestinian State**

RIYADH/JERUSALEM – Saudi Arabia has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s proposal to take over the Gaza Strip after the resettlement of Palestinians, stating that the establishment of a Palestinian state is a non-negotiable condition for any normalization of relations with Israel.

In a strong statement released Wednesday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s unwavering commitment to an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statement explicitly ruled out any diplomatic ties with Israel until this condition is met.

Trump’s plan, announced during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparked immediate backlash from several Arab nations. Jordan condemned any attempts to annex land and displace Palestinians, while Qatar stressed the premature nature of discussing Gaza’s future control amidst an ongoing fragile ceasefire.

Despite Netanyahu’s optimistic prediction of an imminent and “shocking” normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, the Saudi statement left no room for ambiguity. The Kingdom emphasized its commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative, linking Israeli recognition to the creation of a Palestinian state.

The Saudi stance highlights the significant obstacle Trump’s proposal presents to his long-sought normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. While the UAE and Bahrain have already normalized ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia’s vast regional influence and oil wealth make it a far more significant prize for Israel.

Analysts have raised questions about the strength of Saudi Arabia’s commitment, debating whether its vocal support for Palestinian sovereignty will translate into concrete actions that could jeopardize a potential deal with the US and Israel. Some suggest Trump’s proposal might be a negotiating tactic, with the ultimate goal being a compromise that secures Saudi normalization without the establishment of a Palestinian state.

However, for now, Saudi Arabia’s position remains steadfast, underscoring the continued centrality of the Palestinian issue in regional dynamics and the challenges facing any efforts to reshape the Middle East’s political landscape.

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