Palestinian statehood is the answer, nothing else

In response to statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its steadfast position on the Palestinian issue, strongly opposing the displacement of Palestinians from their homeland.

The Kingdom released a clear statement just hours after Trump’s remarks, stating: “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.”

This reaffirmation came in the wake of Trump’s other remarks suggesting that Saudi Arabia had softened its stance on Palestinian statehood in the context of normalization talks with Israel. Contrary to these claims, the Kingdom has consistently maintained that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscored this commitment during the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh in November 2024, and in his speech at the opening of the Shoura Council in September 2024, highlighting the necessity of ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

The historical context of this issue is pivotal. Israel was established as an independent state in 1948, with international recognition. Over the decades, many Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, have engaged with Israel under varying degrees of diplomatic acknowledgment. However, Saudi Arabia has consistently advocated a balanced approach: in the pursuit of fairness and lasting peace, equal recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is essential. This principle is not merely a regional concern but a universal one grounded in international law and legitimacy.

The right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state is enshrined in numerous UN Security Council resolutions and is a fundamental principle of the international rules-based order. This framework upholds the Palestinian right to self-determination, emphasizing that the issue transcends political maneuvering and touches upon basic human rights and justice. Saudi Arabia's stance is not about imposing its vision but aligning with a broader international consensus recognizing these legitimate rights.

Disregarding this internationally recognized framework carries significant risks. Abandoning the rules-based order raises critical questions about the international community's role and the collective responsibility to uphold and defend the fundamental principles of humanity. The absence of a viable alternative will only deepen regional instability and undermine global efforts to achieve lasting peace. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than two million people endure dire living conditions, underscores the urgent need to address the Palestinian issue through a just and sustainable solution that rejects any form of forced displacement from their homeland.

Saudi Arabia values its strategic partnership with the US and recognizes the importance of its ties with the US, particularly in security cooperation and regional stability. What needs to be understood in that context is that Riyadh and Washington have the same interest at heart — a Middle East region that is stable, prosperous, peaceful, and forward looking, and breaks away from the endless cycle of violence that has characterized the region for much of its recent history.

Resolving the Palestinian issue is key to addressing broader regional challenges. It has the potential to recalibrate the geopolitical dynamics that underpin tensions with Iran, particularly the US “maximum pressure” strategy, which requires the support of Gulf states unless Iran changes its behavior regarding the militarization of its nuclear program. It also supports efforts for an inclusive government in Syria and strengthens the US-Saudi economic agenda.

For this to happen, however, and, more importantly, for any pathway forward to be sustainable, a just, fair, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue must be found. It is imperative and unavoidable. It is the core from which everything else resonates. From its perspective, Saudi Arabia remains steadfastly committed to the two-state solution because there is no other reasonable and humane alternative to this enduring conflict. This commitment is embedded in Saudi foreign policy and reflects the Kingdom’s broader responsibilities as a leading Arab and Islamic nation.

The Palestinian issue is not solely a Saudi concern: it is an international, Arab, and humanitarian issue that resonates across the Muslim world and beyond. Moreover, the displacement of Palestinians is not merely a political issue: it is a profound humanitarian crisis that demands international attention and action.

Saudi Arabia’s position on Palestine thus remains clear and consistent. The Kingdom will not compromise on the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, nor will it allow external pressures to alter its principled stance. The establishment of an independent Palestinian state is not just a diplomatic goal but a moral imperative rooted in international law and shared human values. As Saudi Arabia continues to navigate its foreign relations, it will steadfastly advocate justice, peace, and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

• Dr. Abdulaziz Sager is chairman of the Gulf Research Center