Saudi Arabia welcomes the start of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed its strong support for the commencement of concrete steps toward implementing the second phase of the international plan aimed at addressing the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, a move that represents a new glimmer of hope for ending the months-long humanitarian suffering. This welcome reaffirms Riyadh's unwavering support for all regional and international efforts aimed at achieving an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
Details of the second phase and its importance
The second phase of the Gaza plan is of paramount strategic importance, as recent international and UN proposals (including Security Council resolutions and US proposals) typically focus on transitioning from temporary ceasefires to a sustainable cessation of hostilities. This phase involves complex and crucial negotiations concerning the withdrawal of military forces, the return of displaced persons to their homes, and the commencement of large-scale relief operations that pave the way for reconstruction. Moving to this phase is a vital indicator of the international community's commitment to defusing the crisis and preventing the conflict from escalating in the region.
Saudi role and diplomatic efforts
This Saudi welcome cannot be separated from the broader context of the diplomatic efforts led by the Kingdom since the outbreak of the crisis. Saudi Arabia chaired the ministerial committee formed by the joint Arab-Islamic summit and conducted extensive shuttle diplomacy in global capitals to push for a ceasefire. The Kingdom's welcome today reinforces diplomatic pressure on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities and ensure that there is no return to the initial stage of military escalation.
Human and political dimensions
From a humanitarian perspective, Saudi Arabia consistently emphasizes that any peace plan must guarantee the unconditional flow of relief, medical, and food aid to the Gaza Strip's residents, who are facing catastrophic conditions. Through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the Kingdom has established air and sea bridges to support Palestinians, thus ensuring that its support for political initiatives aligns with its ongoing humanitarian efforts on the ground.
Towards a two-state solution and regional stability
The Kingdom affirms in all its forums that temporary solutions, while important in stemming bloodshed, are no substitute for a fundamental political solution embodied in the two-state solution. Riyadh believes that the success of the second phase of the Gaza plan should pave the way for a serious political process leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions. The success of this phase will not only have repercussions within Palestine but will also contribute directly to strengthening regional and international peace and security, and will thwart the extremist forces that thrive on the continuation of the conflict.
