We won't accept Trump's Israel peace plan without a Palestinian state
In a recent interview, His Royal Highness Khed bin Band Al, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, shared his insights on the ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly the complex situation involving Israel, the Palestinians, and Lebanon.
He emphasized Saudi Arabia's cautious optimism regarding peace prospects but acknowledged the immense damage caused to the region over the past year, especially in Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, Libya, and Syria.
Ambassador Khed highlighted Saudi Arabia’s firm stance on resolving the Palestinian issue, insisting that any peace agreement with Israel must include the establishment of a Palestinian state.
He expressed concern that without addressing this core issue, any progress would only delay further conflict. Saudi Arabia has been clear about its red lines, particularly the necessity for a two-state solution, which ensures the security of Israel while recognizing Palestinian rights.
Regarding the Abraham Accords and potential normalization with Israel, the ambassador reiterated that Saudi Arabia cannot pursue such normalization without a viable solution for the Palestinians. While willing to engage in discussions, Saudi Arabia remains firm that a lasting resolution must be centered on a Palestinian state.
He acknowledged the longstanding historical and emotional complexities of the region, noting that finding peace would be difficult, but not impossible. Ambassador Khed stressed the importance of engaging both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships in the peace process, with support from regional and global powers, including Saudi Arabia, the United States, and European nations.
Despite the challenges, the ambassador remains hopeful that, with the right focus on reconstruction and long-term solutions, a future without endless violence and suffering is possible. However, he emphasized the importance of not investing in a reconstruction effort for Palestinian territories that may be destroyed again, asserting that such an approach would be unsustainable.
On the issue of oil prices, Ambassador Khed stated that Saudi Arabia does not use oil as a political tool to manipulate markets but instead focuses on maximizing the development potential of the country. He noted the higher cost of oil production for the U.S. compared to Saudi Arabia and emphasized that the global oil market's fluctuations are influenced by various factors.
In conclusion, while the road to peace remains fraught with difficulties, Ambassador Khed expressed cautious hope that through consistent engagement and a clear focus on the two-state solution, peace could eventually be achieved in the region.
Topics: American Politics, Donald Trump, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Palestine Liberation
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