In the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has assured Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas of his commitment to preventing further escalation. The announcement was made through Saudi state media early on Tuesday.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed his unwavering support for the Palestinian people. He stated, “Saudi Arabia continues to stand by the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to a decent life, achieve their hopes and aspirations, and achieve just and lasting peace.”
The recent outbreak of violence has seen an unprecedented series of ground, air, and sea attacks by Hamas, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel has reported approximately 800 fatalities, while its retaliatory strikes in Gaza have raised the death toll there to 687.
Amidst the escalating crisis, speculations have emerged regarding the possibility of Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel. This prospect had been linked to potential security guarantees from the United States and assistance in developing a civilian nuclear program. However, Prince Mohammed recently spoke with Fox News, emphasizing the significance of the Palestinian issue for Saudi Arabia, a nation home to the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina. He stated, “We need to solve that part. We need to ease the life of the Palestinians.”
Analysts suggest that the ongoing violence has dealt a significant setback to any progress towards normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
In addition to his conversation with President Abbas, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has engaged in discussions regarding the crisis with other regional leaders. He reportedly spoke by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional stability.
