Joseph Isangura
Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned recent comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the displacement of Palestinians, reaffirming its unwavering support for Palestinian sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry dismissed any notion of removing Palestinians from their homeland, calling it a dangerous and unacceptable idea. While the statement mentioned Netanyahu by name, it did not directly reference specific remarks about establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory.
The controversy arose after Netanyahu appeared to make light of a slip-up by a journalist on Israel’s Channel 14, who mistakenly said “Saudi state” instead of “Palestinian state” before quickly correcting himself. Despite this, Israeli officials have previously floated ideas of resettling Palestinians outside their homeland, drawing widespread condemnation.
Saudi Arabia made it clear that such discussions reflect an extremist mindset that fails to grasp the deep historical, emotional, and legal ties between Palestinians and their land.
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The Kingdom emphasized that peace can only be achieved through the recognition of Palestinian rights and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Other Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, also denounced the remarks. Egypt called the idea a direct infringement on Saudi sovereignty, while Jordan described it as inflammatory and a violation of international law. The United Arab Emirates also criticized the comments, labeling them as provocative and unacceptable.
The controversy comes amid a broader discussion on the future of Gaza, following a controversial proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that the United States could “take over” the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians elsewhere, transforming the area into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Arab states have overwhelmingly rejected such notions, insisting that Palestinian sovereignty must be respected.
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