Saudi Arabia Asserts No Normalization of Ties with Israel Without Palestinian Issue Resolution

Riyadh - In an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, underscored that there can be no normalization of ties with Israel unless the longstanding Palestinian issue is resolved. The interview, originally conducted on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, was aired on Sunday, shedding light on Saudi Arabia's stance.

When asked if normal ties could be established without a credible and irreversible path towards a Palestinian state, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud responded, "That's the only way we're going to get the benefit. So, yes, because we need stability, and stability can only be achieved through the resolution of the Palestinian issue."

The foreign minister emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to de-escalating the situation in Gaza and preventing civilian casualties. He stated, "What we are witnessing is the Israeli military actions that are severely impacting Gaza's civilian population. Such actions are entirely unnecessary, completely unacceptable, and must cease."

Saudi Arabia's clear position on the Palestinian issue and its insistence on its resolution before any normalization of ties with Israel further underscores the kingdom's support for the Palestinian cause. The Gulf nation advocates for stability and peace in the region, recognizing that a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue is essential for achieving long-term stability.