Saudi Arabia reaffirmed on Wednesday that it will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel unless a Palestinian state is created. The statement follows remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Riyadh was not making such a demand.
Saudi Arabia has made its stance on Israel clear, rejecting normalisation without a Palestinian state. The Saudi foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, saying Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has affirmed this position in "a clear and explicit manner" that leaves no room for interpretation.
The announcement came after Trump suggested that the U.S. would take control of the Gaza Strip following the displacement of Palestinians, with plans to develop the territory economically. He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
Riyadh also rejected any efforts to displace Palestinians from their land, calling its stance on the issue "non-negotiable."
Netanyahu, addressing Trump's comments, said Israel would pursue a deal with Saudi Arabia and expressed confidence in its success.
The United States had been pushing for Saudi-Israel normalisation for months, but the Gaza war, which erupted in October 2023, led Riyadh to put discussions on hold due to strong Arab opposition to Israel’s military campaign.
Read next
10:09
Cinematic Star
Val Kilmer, the renowned actor from *Top Gun*, *Batman Forever*, and *The Doors*, has died at 65 from pneumonia. Known for his intense roles and dedication to his craft, Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles surrounded by family.
09:34
Record Wealth
Elon Musk has reclaimed his position as the world's richest individual, surpassing Bernard Arnault on Forbes' 39th Annual Billionaires list, while President Donald Trump has seen his wealth more than double, highlighting significant shifts in the global financial landscape.
09:24
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
08:11
JFK investigation
Oliver Stone and James DiEugenio testified before the U.S. House on April 1, 2025, urging a reopening of the investigation into John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, citing new documents and inconsistencies in the official account.
05:52
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment