Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah emphasized on Monday that the resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict lies in the widely-supported two-state solution, calling it the only sustainable pathway to peace. His remarks came during the closing of an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh, which convened to address the escalating violence in Gaza and to unify the region’s stance on the conflict.
The summit served as a platform for Arab and Islamic countries to jointly denounce the ongoing conflict, reaffirm their commitment to a Palestinian state, and coordinate efforts with the international community to press for a ceasefire. Prince Faisal underscored that without international support for an independent Palestinian state, achieving lasting peace would remain elusive.
“Creating an independent Palestinian state is both a demand and a necessity for the stability of the Middle East,” he stated, calling upon other nations to officially recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. “The current suffering and displacements of Palestinians can only end through an international mandate for a ceasefire, leading to diplomatic progress and permanent peace.”
Prince Faisal voiced frustration with the international community’s perceived inaction, stressing that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further loss of life and destruction in Gaza. The Saudi Foreign Minister’s words echoed sentiments throughout the Arab-Islamic summit, where leaders from the Middle East and North Africa condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
“The Arab and Islamic nations are united in anger and despair over the recent events in Gaza. These actions by Israel go beyond measures of self-defense and appear to undermine the prospects for peace by altering the political landscape,” he remarked. “As a collective, we demand that Israel halt its military operations and cease undermining the authority of the Palestinian Authority.”
Prince Faisal also spoke to the heightened urgency of the situation, citing the international community’s lackluster response as a contributing factor to the ongoing crisis. “The continuation of the war on Gaza is a stark symbol of global failure,” he said. “Our top priority must be to halt the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.”
The Riyadh summit highlighted a unified Arab-Islamic stance in support of the Palestinian Authority as the primary institution capable of managing Gaza and the West Bank. Prince Faisal argued that external support for the Palestinian Authority is essential to fostering stability and diminishing the influence of any external actors seeking to disrupt peace efforts.
“Regional tensions cannot be mitigated without solid backing for the Palestinian Authority,” Prince Faisal stated. “It is this institution that has the legitimacy to govern and manage the territories, and therefore, pressure must be applied on Israel to recognize its authority and cease actions that weaken its position.”
In emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s stance, the Foreign Minister suggested that a united front among Arab and Islamic nations could apply the necessary pressure on Israel and would resonate in international diplomatic circles. He affirmed that a collaborative approach within the region could foster conditions conducive to a political solution, reduce tensions, and reaffirm the longstanding demand for Palestinian self-determination.
Despite the challenges, Prince Faisal conveyed a message of hope, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diplomacy and peace. He stated that the kingdom and its allies would tirelessly pursue diplomatic avenues to resolve the conflict, confident that peace is both possible and necessary.
“Diplomacy is our strength, and we will not falter in our pursuit of peace,” he said. “This is a need we all share, and we all deserve. Saudi Arabia stands firm in its belief that dialogue and international cooperation can bring an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and bring peace to the region.”
Prince Faisal’s speech underscored the kingdom’s unwavering dedication to the Palestinian cause. “The reality of Israeli actions in Gaza should not fade from global memory. The international community must acknowledge and address these violations to prevent further erosion of peace prospects,” he insisted.
The Riyadh summit represented a rare moment of unity among Arab and Islamic nations, with leaders agreeing on several points of action to push for a resolution to the Gaza conflict. The attendees concluded that a lasting solution can only come through sustained international pressure and a commitment to the two-state model, which envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
During the summit, Arab and Islamic leaders explored methods for bolstering their collective influence on the global stage, aiming to reinforce diplomatic calls for peace. According to a statement released after the meeting, the summit’s participants pledged to work closely with international institutions to press for a ceasefire, demand humanitarian aid, and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Prince Faisal argued that this unified Arab-Islamic position would serve as a powerful tool to de-escalate the situation and foster dialogue. “The solidarity of our nations can have a tangible impact, and this summit is proof that we are committed to taking real steps toward peace,” he said.
The Foreign Minister called on other nations to rally behind the Arab-Islamic stance, advocating for the two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace in the region. He urged countries worldwide to formally recognize an independent Palestinian state as part of a larger strategy to end the violence and establish stability.
“The two-state solution is not only Saudi Arabia’s stance but a principle embraced by many countries worldwide. We invite these nations to take a clear and supportive stance in line with this goal, which would pave the way for a comprehensive and just solution,” he urged.
The extraordinary Riyadh summit was called amid intensifying violence in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have escalated, causing widespread casualties and displacements. The recent offensive has seen a surge in airstrikes on densely populated areas, resulting in severe humanitarian crises. With hundreds of thousands of Palestinians left homeless or living in constant fear, the region’s leaders convened urgently to address the deteriorating conditions.
The summit’s resolution reflected the growing frustration and concern shared by many Arab and Islamic nations over Israel’s handling of security measures. Leaders voiced dismay at what they described as disproportionate and destabilizing actions by Israel in both Gaza and the West Bank. The sentiment was that such operations threaten the prospect of peace by creating irreversible changes on the ground, further complicating efforts to implement a two-state solution.
The Saudi Foreign Minister was unequivocal in his condemnation of international institutions’ failure to prevent the escalation of violence and provide aid to the affected Palestinian population. Prince Faisal argued that the global community bears responsibility for alleviating the suffering in Gaza, insisting that the current humanitarian crisis demands immediate action.
“Institutions worldwide have been negligent in their duties towards the Palestinians, allowing unnecessary suffering to persist,” he said. “We call on the United Nations, global leaders, and humanitarian organizations to recognize the situation for what it is and take decisive action.”
As the summit concluded, Prince Faisal emphasized the need for continued regional cooperation and dialogue to bring about a lasting resolution. Saudi Arabia and its allies aim to work in tandem with international organizations, intensifying diplomatic efforts and calling for accountability.
“We understand that peace is a shared responsibility. The Saudi kingdom will continue to champion this cause and push for initiatives that not only lead to a ceasefire but also establish a framework for sustainable peace,” Prince Faisal affirmed.
The summit marked a turning point in regional diplomacy, with Arab and Islamic nations demonstrating unprecedented unity in addressing one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. Prince Faisal’s final remarks conveyed the Saudi government’s resolve to keep the issue at the forefront of global consciousness and to advocate for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
“We will not tire, we will not relent,” he concluded. “Our commitment to a peaceful resolution is steadfast, and we call upon our international partners to recognize that the time for action is now.”
