The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its firm stance calling for the immediate and full implementation of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, stressing the importance of international action to end the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people. These demands come at a critical time, as the region witnesses escalating tensions, necessitating decisive intervention to ensure the protection of civilians and halt the war machine.
Context of the crisis and Saudi diplomatic efforts
Since the outbreak of the latest crisis, Saudi Arabia has spearheaded intensive diplomatic efforts at both the regional and international levels to garner support for ending the aggression against Gaza. Riyadh did not limit itself to issuing statements of condemnation; it also chaired the ministerial committee formed by the joint Arab-Islamic summit, which toured the world's capitals to push for a ceasefire. The Kingdom consistently affirms that military solutions will not bring security or stability to the region, and that the continuation of military operations will only exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe and threaten international peace and security.
Humanitarian dimensions and the need to deliver aid
Saudi Arabia's demands focus primarily on the humanitarian aspect, as the Gaza Strip suffers from severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, in addition to the destruction of its infrastructure. The Kingdom emphasizes in all international forums, including the United Nations and the Security Council, the necessity of opening safe corridors for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia believes that implementing the ceasefire agreement is the first and essential step, indispensable for enabling humanitarian organizations to carry out their work and save lives.
Historical background and the firm Saudi position
This stance is not new to Saudi foreign policy; the Kingdom has always been and remains the foremost supporter of the Palestinian cause. Historically, Saudi Arabia presented the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002, a comprehensive roadmap for a just and lasting solution. The Saudi vision is based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, which stipulates the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Riyadh believes that any attempts to circumvent these legitimate rights will only lead to further violence and instability.
The regional and international impact of the ongoing conflict
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia warns that the continuation of the war in Gaza and the failure to implement a ceasefire could lead to a wider conflict in the Middle East, threatening the economic and security interests of the entire world. It affirms that achieving peace in Palestine is key to stability in the region, and that the international community, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council, bears a moral and legal responsibility to compel all parties to cease hostilities and return to serious political negotiations leading to a two-state solution.
