Latest news with #Saudi-French
Daily News Egypt
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
After the Two-State Solution Conference: Diverging Western Visions Lay Bare the Depth of the Palestinian Predicament
The 'Two-State Solution' conference, held in New York on July 28–29 under Saudi-French co-sponsorship, concluded on Tuesday evening. While the agenda formally centered on humanitarian relief for Gaza, the core political question that underpinned the gathering was far more urgent and far-reaching: Is a Palestinian state still a viable political objective, or has it been relegated to the realm of conditional and delayed aspirations? The conference revealed stark divergences between key Western powers, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, and exposed a deeper schism in how the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is framed: Is Palestinian statehood a matter for negotiation—or an inherent right that must be internationally recognized as a prelude to any future resolution? Under the leadership of President Donald Trump—now in his second term since January 2025—the United States maintains an unwavering commitment to Israel, offering unconditional military and political support while firmly rejecting unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The administration continues to promote a so-called 'final settlement' built around regional realignments, with reports surfacing of unofficial proposals to relocate Gaza's population to neighboring countries and rebrand the Strip as a future investment hub. Though not officially adopted, such notions signal a broader American strategy to entrench Palestinian statehood within Israeli strategic thinking, deferring its realization to current power dynamics overwhelmingly tilted in Israel's favor. This approach significantly undermines the position of those who advocate postponing recognition of Palestine under the pretext of waiting for a negotiated settlement—especially when Israel has consistently denied the very existence of a Palestinian entity or any rights beyond fragmented, subordinated pockets under its military dominance. By contrast, the United Kingdom, under Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has attempted to strike a more balanced tone. London voiced concern over the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, called for secure aid corridors, and announced a freeze on certain arms exports to Israel. Yet Starmer reaffirmed that recognition of a Palestinian state would only come within the framework of a negotiated peace deal—despite the fact that his party's electoral manifesto had committed to supporting recognition. This reticence has drawn criticism from within his own party, with many accusing him of hiding behind procedural constraints while conditions on the ground continue to deteriorate. Meanwhile, France's announcement of its intention to recognize the State of Palestine by September represents a political shockwave in Europe. Notably, this position reportedly germinated during President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Cairo, reflecting a growing French–Egyptian alignment on the core tenets of a just peace: rejecting population displacement, affirming the Arab Peace Initiative, and emphasizing the centrality of international law. Equally significant has been Egypt's sustained diplomatic engagement since the onset of the Gaza war. Cairo was the first to reject any demographic engineering or forced transfer of Palestinians. It has since played a pivotal role in ceasefire efforts, humanitarian coordination, and advocating for a two-state solution based on relevant UN resolutions. Saudi Arabia, for its part, emerged as a transformative actor, not only co-chairing the New York conference but also driving the political momentum behind reintroducing state recognition as a credible diplomatic tool. Indeed, what the conference began to crystallize is a strategic shift: recognition of Palestine is no longer merely symbolic—it is becoming a mechanism for recalibrating the diplomatic balance and exerting pressure on Israel and its principal backer, the United States. The idea is to internationalize Palestinian statehood as a recognized right, rather than a concession granted by Israel. In doing so, the issue is decoupled from Israel's veto power and inserted instead into the realm of global legitimacy—acknowledged by both major and minor powers alike. The European Union's voice at the conference reinforced this trajectory. EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica stated unequivocally: 'We are not merely participants in this process—we are shaping the region's agenda. We are not simply calling for peace; we are investing in it.' She further emphasized the EU's dual commitment to 'an Israel that is secure and a Palestine that is free.' In this shifting landscape, the UK finds itself at a moral and strategic crossroads. Remaining in diplomatic limbo—neither fully aligned with the American hardline nor integrated into the emerging European consensus—could erode Britain's credibility in the region and within its own political institutions. The question looms: will the UK remain cautious to preserve its transatlantic ties, or take a principled leap to join a growing chorus of nations recognizing Palestine? The United States, meanwhile, appears determined to stay the course. Its refusal to endorse France's recognition initiative and its silence on EU proposals for immediate diplomatic steps highlight Washington's continued prioritization of Israeli security over Palestinian sovereignty. Amid this transatlantic rift, Palestinians once again find themselves caught in an unjust equation: one side ties their right to statehood to the will of those who deny it; the other expresses rhetorical solidarity but hesitates to act. In truth, the aftermath of the New York conference marks not an endpoint but a beginning. As preparations proceed for a potential follow-up summit in Paris during the UN General Assembly in September, pressure will mount on undecided nations to take a definitive stance. The world must now choose: either recognize the Palestinian state as an inalienable political reality—or retreat once again into cycles of negotiation, where peace remains deferred, justice diluted, and rights suspended between maps and promises. Dr. Marwa El-Shinawy: Academic and Writer
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia and France unveil final roadmap for two-state solution
Saudi Gazette report NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia and France on Tuesday concluded the high-level international conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict with the adoption of a final document laying out a comprehensive, actionable framework to implement the two-state solution. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced the adoption of the final communiqué, which outlines integrated proposals across political, security, humanitarian, economic, legal, and strategic narrative dimensions. The document is designed to serve as a viable blueprint for the realization of an independent Palestinian state and lasting regional peace. Prince Faisal called on all nations to endorse the document ahead of the conclusion of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly by notifying the Saudi and French missions in New York. The second and final day of the jointly chaired Saudi-French conference followed a strong show of international support during the opening first day saw consensus on the need for a just resolution to the conflict and widespread condemnation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including what many described as deliberate starvation Palestinian government said outcomes of the conference include plans to establish a temporary international mission under UN supervision — with regional participation — aimed at stabilizing the situation and curbing Israeli settlement expansion in Gaza and the West Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia's position, emphasizing that many countries are now willing to recognize the State of stressed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is a legitimate right and that the two-state solution enjoys broad global consensus, grounded in UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the principle of land for peace.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi FM: Trump's involvement could help end Gaza crisis and revive peace talks
Saudi Gazette report NEW YORK — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump's direct engagement could play a pivotal role in ending the Gaza crisis and advancing a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speaking at a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of the Saudi-French co-chaired high-level conference on the two-state solution in New York, Prince Faisal emphasized Washington's central role in Middle East peace efforts. 'The United States is a key player when it comes to peace in the Middle East,' he said. 'President Trump had success in this area, and his personal involvement is of critical importance.' 'We have listened to his remarks on several occasions. He is a man of peace and opposes war,' Prince Faisal continued. 'His engagement, particularly from a personal standpoint, could help end the crisis in Gaza and pave the way for resolving the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.' He added: 'We hold great respect for President Trump and trust not only his commitment to peace but also his ability to achieve it.'The Saudi foreign minister also revealed ongoing dialogue with several European and Asian nations to encourage formal recognition of a Palestinian state, stating: 'The majority of countries are willing to recognize the State of Palestine.'During the presser, Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia's unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, stressing that the creation of an independent Palestinian state is a rightful demand, not a said the Riyadh-Paris-led conference underscores a growing international consensus that the resolution to the prolonged conflict in Palestine lies in the implementation of the two-state solution based on UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the land-for-peace Faisal noted that Saudi Arabia and France are determined to translate global alignment on Palestinian statehood into concrete action.'Achieving a just and comprehensive peace that ensures the sovereignty and security of all peoples in the region begins with ending the conflict and establishing the Palestinian state,' he also reaffirmed full Saudi support for Egyptian, Qatari, and American efforts to reactivate a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, while rejecting any attempts to isolate, occupy, or besiege the enclave.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi, French interior ministers sign security cooperation agreement in Paris
Saudi Gazette report PARIS — Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif held official talks on Monday with French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau in Paris, where the two sides signed an executive document outlining future security cooperation between their ministries. The meeting followed a bilateral session during which both ministers reviewed key issues related to security collaboration, including combatting organized crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering, as well as enhancing the exchange of expertise between the two countries. Prince Abdulaziz emphasized that the talks reflect the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to deepen Saudi-French security relations. He praised the progress made in recent years and reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to expanding joint efforts with France to address transnational criminal threats. The Saudi minister also extended congratulations to his French counterpart on the occasion of France's National Day, wishing continued security, prosperity, and stability to the French government and people. The newly signed document aims to institutionalize cooperation across multiple security domains, signaling a strengthened partnership between the two interior ministries.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Saudi Arabia Takes Lead in Global Push for Palestinian Statehood
Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing peace in the Middle East, with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announcing the Kingdom's co-chairing of a major international conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict this week in New York, alongside France. Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Prince Faisal said the Kingdom's role reflects its long-standing support for Palestinian rights and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. 'Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom continues to work tirelessly to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and the violence caused by decades of occupation,' he said. The upcoming ministerial-level conference at the United Nations headquarters seeks to accelerate the implementation of key UN resolutions and pave the way for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Saudi-French initiative follows the September 2024 launch of the International Coalition for the Two-State Solution, led by Saudi Arabia, Norway, and the European Union. Prince Faisal also emphasized that the initiative aligns with the efforts of the joint Arab-Islamic ministerial committee, aimed at securing Palestinian statehood and fostering long-term peace and security in the region.
