Egypt Labels Proposal for Palestinian State in Saudi Arabia as “Irresponsible”
Egypt criticized Israeli assertions of establishing a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, labeling the proposal as “irresponsible” and a violation of Saudi sovereignty. This condemnation follows comments from Trump advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians. Egypt is working with Arab partners to uphold Palestinian rights and pursue peace amid escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
Egypt has denounced the notion proposed by Israeli officials concerning the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, deeming it “irresponsible.” The Egyptian foreign ministry emphasized that any such proposal constitutes a direct violation of Saudi sovereignty and asserted that the nation’s security is a paramount concern for Egypt. This critique directly follows remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu advocating for Palestinians to relocate to Saudi Arabia.
The situation escalated following comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that relocating Palestinians would facilitate American control over Gaza. Trump mentioned the potential transformation of Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” implying that the two million Palestinian residents could be resettled in neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.
In response to these propositions, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty revealed that he has engaged with Arab nations including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to unify their stance against any displacement of Palestinians. He reiterated the unwavering Arab commitment to the Palestinian cause, rejecting any actions aimed at forcibly relocating Palestinians from their homeland.
Arab countries advocate for a two-state solution that envisions a sovereign Palestinian state coexisting alongside Israel. Egypt’s statement highlighted that any form of displacement would breach international law, violate Palestinian rights, and jeopardize regional security, potentially undermining prospects for peace and cooperation among the affected populations.
At present, Egypt and other Arab states are concentrated on rebuilding and rehabilitating Gaza, which has suffered considerable damage due to the military conflict following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. Meanwhile, the ongoing diplomatic tensions were underscored by the recent release of three Israeli hostages by Hamas, in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners, indicating a complex and sensitive political landscape.
The recent tensions regarding the potential establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia were sparked by statements from notable political figures. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu suggested that Palestinians could form a state in Saudi Arabia, a notion that garnered harsh criticism from Egypt. Amid ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in Gaza, the discourse surrounding Palestinian rights and self-determination remains potent and deeply contentious among Arab nations and international observers.
In summary, Egypt has strongly opposed Israeli suggestions of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, arguing that it undermines Saudi sovereignty and national security. As regional tensions escalate amid ongoing violence and displacement concerns, Egypt and other Arab nations continue to advocate for the rights of Palestinians and work towards reconstructing Gaza. The calls for a unified Arab stance highlight the urgency of addressing the longstanding Palestinian issue within the broader context of Middle Eastern peace efforts.
Original Source: news.sky.com
