The Kingdom condemns the occupation's violations and calls for the protection of the two-state solution
Geneva – SPA
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its firm and unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, expressing its categorical rejection and strong condemnation of the escalating illegal measures perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authorities in the occupied Palestinian territories. This came during the participation of the Kingdom's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in the 61st session of the Human Rights Council held in Geneva, specifically within the framework of the interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Rejection of the policy of land confiscation and the legitimization of settlements
In the Kingdom's address to the Council, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khathila, affirmed that the occupying authorities' conversion of vast areas of West Bank land into what they call "state land" constitutes a blatant legal maneuver aimed at legitimizing settlements and altering the demographic and geographic reality of the occupied territories. He clarified that these plans are not merely administrative procedures, but rather systematic steps to impose a new reality that renders the establishment of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state impossible, thus dealing a devastating blow to international peace efforts and the two-state solution.
Targeting UNRWA: A violation of international law
The Kingdom's statement addressed the dangerous escalation represented by the targeting of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The Kingdom condemned in the strongest terms the demolition of UNRWA buildings and the obstruction of its work by the occupying forces. This Saudi position stems from the Kingdom's understanding of the vital role UNRWA plays as a lifeline for millions of refugees, and its view that any attack on the agency constitutes an attack on international legitimacy and a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, which grants immunity to international humanitarian organizations.
Saudi constants and the historical dimension
These Saudi diplomatic moves are a continuation of the Kingdom's historical approach since 1967, based on the Arab Peace Initiative and resolutions of international legitimacy. Ambassador Bin Khathila emphasized that the Palestinian right to establish an independent and sovereign state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is an inherent and inalienable right that does not expire with time, and that any unilateral measures by the occupation will not alter the legal and historical status of the occupied territories.
A call for the international community to assume its responsibilities
The Kingdom concluded its statement by holding the international community fully responsible for the continuation of these violations, demanding the need to move from the stage of verbal condemnation to taking practical deterrent steps that obligate the occupying authorities to respect international law and international humanitarian law, provide the necessary protection for the Palestinian people and their resources, and ensure that perpetrators of crimes do not escape punishment, in order to preserve what remains of the opportunities to achieve security and stability in the region.
