Two-state solution is key to end Israeli-Palestinian conflict – Saudi Foreign Minister
KYIV, UKRAINE - FEBRUARY 26, 2023 - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud is pictured during a joint briefing with head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. (Photo credit should read Volodymyr Tarasov / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, has again reiterated the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating it is the only viable way to ensure long-term security and peace in the region.
In an op-ed published in the Financial Times, Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He stressed that the Kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until this goal is achieved.
Prince Faisal’s comments come amidst escalated tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and an Iranian missile attack on Israel. He emphasized that radicals and warmongers on both sides are the true obstacles to peace.
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“It is essential to understand that the true obstacles to peace are not the Palestinians and Israelis, who yearn for stability and coexistence, but rather the radicals and warmongers on both sides who reject a just resolution and seek to spread this conflict across our region and beyond,” Prince Faisal wrote.
He advocated for self-determination for the Palestinian people and global recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. Prince Faisal also called for increased accountability, implementation of UN resolutions, and punitive measures against those undermining Palestinian statehood.
The continuing assault on Gaza, expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, and restrictions on movement by Israeli authorities “creates a reality that diminishes prospects for a sovereign Palestinian state,” Prince Faisal said.
He emphasized the importance of supporting the Palestinian Authority, which has shown perseverance in maintaining calm in the occupied West Bank despite obstacles.
“Palestinian statehood is a prerequisite for peace, rather than its by-product. This is the only path that can lead us out of this cycle of violence and into a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, with security and mutual respect. Let us not delay any longer.”
