RIYADH: During Tuesday’s Riyadh session led by King Salman, the Saudi cabinet firmly dismissed Israel’s remarks on Palestinian displacement, Gaza Strip reoccupation, and settlement construction.
Emphasizing the need for global efforts, they stressed the activation of mechanisms to hold Israel accountable for violating international humanitarian laws.
The ministers also delved into discussions about strategies to ensure oil market stability.
Commending the commitment of oil-producing nations, specifically OPEC, the cabinet praised their unwavering dedication to stabilizing the market.
Earlier, Saudi Ambassador to UK said that Saudi Arabia remains committed to pursuing a normalization agreement with Israel even after the conclusion of its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar, the Saudi ambassador to the UK, conveyed in a radio interview with the BBC that Riyadh is still open to establishing ties with Israel as part of an overarching two-state solution.
Bandar emphasized the longstanding interest in reaching a deal with Israel, stating, “Absolutely there’s interest, there’s been interest since 1982 and before. We’ve been at this for a long time, and willing to accept Israel for a long time; it’s a reality that’s there that we have to live with. But we can’t live with Israel without a Palestinian state.”
Regarding discussions leading up to October 7, Bandar mentioned that talks had been ongoing for a significant period. While not divulging specific details, he noted that a deal was close, and Riyadh’s ultimate goal included nothing less than an independent state of Palestine.
Bandar affirmed that, even after October 7, Saudi Arabia believes in normalization but not at the expense of the Palestinian people.
Before the outbreak of violence on October 7, Israel and Saudi Arabia were reportedly close to finalizing a historic normalization deal. The subsequent Hamas onslaught led to a conflict in which Israel launched a large-scale operation against Hamas in Gaza.
