Saudi Arabia's Princess Reema says two-state solution only way to end ‘bloodshed' in Gaza
Her statement came in parallel with a high-level international conference at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, which sought to chart a path toward Palestinian statehood.
For the latest updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict, visit our dedicated page.
She stressed that 'the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long-advocated for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace, one that ensures dignity and self-determination for Palestinians while establishing a foundation of security and stability for Israel and the region.'
she emphasized that 'This is not merely a diplomatic position; it is a moral, strategic, and practical necessity grounded in justice and the pursuit of a shared future.'
Princess Reema added that Saudi Arabia's commitment to peace is embedded in its national vision: 'Our pursuit of peace and security for the region is both part of our history and central to goals for modernization and growth under Vision 2030.'
Normalization in exchange for Palestinian statehood
Referencing the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, she said, 'The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has championed a peaceful resolution for decades… based on the conviction that peace in the region is inseparable from justice for Palestinians.'
A two-state solution would offer Israel a chance for normalization with Arab states in exchange for the establishment of a Palestinian state, the ambassador said.
'This vision… offers Israel full normalization with the Arab world in exchange for Palestinian statehood. The two-state solution is essential because it addresses the root causes of the conflict: the denial of Palestinian self-determination and the insecurity that fuels extremism on both sides,' Princess Reema said.
The dire situation in Gaza
Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the ambassador warned that 'the humanitarian toll is staggering: 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced, and famine looms as aid trickles in.'
'A two-state solution is the only framework that can end the bloodshed, rebuild Gaza, and create a sustainable future. Without it, we risk perpetuating a cycle of violence that breeds despair and empowers extremists.'
She concluded, 'The suffering in Gaza, the despair in the West Bank, and the insecurity in Israel demand a new reality. A two-state solution is not a dream; it is the only path to justice, security, and stability. Let us act with courage and urgency to build a future where Palestinians and Israelis live in peace, dignity, and mutual respect. The world must stand on the right side of history – now.'
High-level UN conference
The High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution was held on Monday with the goal of creating a concrete framework to support the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state and enhance prospects for lasting peace.
Participating members included Spain, Jordan, Indonesia, Italy, Norway, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, Senegal, the League of Arab States, and the European Union, with a working group dedicated to Peace Day efforts.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the gathering 'a decisive turning point… that catalyzes irreversible progress towards ending the occupation and realizing our shared aspiration for a viable two-state solution.'
However, the United States and Israel boycotted the summit, labeling it 'a gift to Hamas' and argued that it overlooked key concerns such as hostage release and anti-terror measures. A senior US official told Reuters the event was 'unproductive and ill-timed.'
Despite the boycott, the conference marked a renewed diplomatic push led by Saudi Arabia to mobilize global support for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian cause.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Arabiya
an hour ago
- Al Arabiya
India trade unions, farmers call for nationwide protests on Trump tariffs, UK deal
Ten major trade unions and a coalition of over forty Indian farmers' unions have announced a nationwide protest on Aug. 13 against the recent India-UK trade deal and US President Donald Trump's proposal to impose 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods over the country's oil trade with Russia. The unions termed the Trump administration's actions as 'blatant economic coercion' and called on citizens to resist them. The organizers called upon 'all farmers, workers, students and patriotic citizens to join the nationwide day of resistance on August 13, 2025, with various mass actions like tractor and motorcycle rallies, protest demonstrations, public gatherings, and other forms of protest as decided by different platforms and partner organizations,' according to an official statement. Additionally, the groups demanded that the Indian government should stand firm against the threat of tariffs and assert its right to trade freely with all countries, including Russia. Meanwhile, the organizers accused the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) of practicing corporate imperialism, while demanding that future trade deals be finalized with complete transparency and with participation of all stakeholders. 'The East India Company colonized India through trade – today, CETA and US trade deals are the new instruments of corporate imperialism,' the statement said. The groups said that US corporations were using tariffs to 'bully sovereign nations,' while criticizing the Indian government for its silence. Therefore, the planned protest aims to defend India's sovereignty and economic independence. 'On August 13, farmers and workers will rise in defense of sovereignty and freedom, sending a clear message,' the statement added.
Al Arabiya
an hour ago
- Al Arabiya
Canada airdrops humanitarian aid to Gaza amid plans to recognize Palestinian state
Canada delivered more than 21,600 pounds of humanitarian aid to Gaza via military airdrop this week, as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to announce his country's recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations next month. The Canadian Armed Forces deployed a CC-130J Hercules aircraft to conduct the operation on Sunday, delivering critical supplies to Palestinians facing what officials described as 'unprecedented' humanitarian needs in the war-torn territory. The airdrop comes as Canada intensifies diplomatic pressure on Israel over Gaza access restrictions, with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Defense Minister David McGuinty condemning Israeli government obstruction of humanitarian aid as a violation of international law. 'Despite the scale of need, humanitarian partners face severe challenges in delivering life-saving food and medical assistance by land due to ongoing restrictions imposed by the Israeli government,' the ministers said in a joint statement. Canada's latest aid delivery follows Carney's announcement last week that the country plans to join several others, including France and Britain, in recognizing Palestinian statehood at a UN meeting in September. The Prime Minister cited the deteriorating situation in Gaza, including widespread starvation, as a driving factor behind the decision. 'Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza,' Carney said, drawing rebukes from both Israel and the United States, Israel's closest ally. The humanitarian operation was coordinated through Jordan, which Canada thanked for facilitating the aid delivery. Officials said the airdrop measures became necessary due to severely restricted ground access to the Palestinian territory. Last week, Minister Anand announced $30 million in new funding to address Palestinian humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank, along with an additional $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority's governance role. The funding will support logistical operations along the Jordanian Corridor and scale up deliveries through UN and Red Cross partners. Since October 7, 2023, Canada has committed more than $355 million in international assistance for Palestinian civilians, including $99 million announced in March 2025 and $50 million pledged in November 2024. Canada maintains that a two-state solution remains 'the only viable pathway to a just and lasting peace,' with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in security. The government said it would continue working with international partners to promote regional peace and stability. The Canadian Armed Forces said it stands ready to conduct additional humanitarian operations as directed by the government.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Israel to allow gradual and controlled entry of goods to Gaza through local merchants
Israel will allow gradual and controlled entry of goods to Gaza through local merchants, COGAT, the Israeli military agency that coordinates aid, said on Tuesday.'This aims to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip, while reducing reliance on aid collection by the UN and international organizations,' the agency Sunday, Hamas said it was prepared to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza, if Israel meets certain conditions, after a video it released showing an emaciated captive drew sharp criticism from Western and UN officials said Gaza needs around 600 aid trucks to enter per day to meet the humanitarian requirements — the number Israel used to allow into Gaza before the Gaza war began when Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli offensive has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials who do not distinguish between fighters and to Israeli officials, 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Hamas, thus far, has barred humanitarian organizations from having any kind of access to the hostages and families have little or no details of their conditions.
