A Historic Visit to the West Bank by Saudi Delegation
A delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by the Kingdom’s non-resident ambassador to the Palestinian territories, made a significant visit to the occupied West Bank on Tuesday. This visit marks the first time in three decades that Saudi Arabia has sent a delegation to the West Bank.
Potential Normalization of Relations
The Saudi delegation’s visit comes as Saudi Arabia participates in American-brokered talks with Israel, which aim to potentially normalize relations between the two countries.
Meetings with Palestinian Officials
The delegation, headed by Saudi envoy Nayef Al-Sudairi, is scheduled to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and chief Palestinian diplomat Riyad Al-Maliki. This visit follows the appointment of a consul general for Jerusalem by the oil-rich kingdom, further emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s engagement with the Palestinian territories.
A Breakthrough in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
This visit is significant as it is the first time a Saudi delegation has visited the West Bank since the Oslo Accords of 1993. These accords were intended to pave the way for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Saudi visit, along with ongoing talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Middle East.
Security Guarantees and Assistance
The talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia include discussions on security guarantees for Saudi Arabia and assistance with their civil nuclear program. These negotiations, according to informed officials, could have far-reaching implications for the region.
Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Normalization
While Israel has established relationships with three Arab countries in 2020, namely the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, Saudi Arabia has refrained from following suit until progress is made in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently stated that the two sides are “getting closer to each other.”
Towards Peaceful Coexistence
In recent months, Israel has sent delegations to Saudi Arabia to participate in various events, including sports and UNESCO meetings. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism about the possibility of “historic peace” between Israel and Saudi Arabia during his speech at the United Nations.
Importance of Palestinian Rights
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has previously expressed strong reservations about peace in the region without full recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people. The Oslo Accords of 1993 aimed to establish an independent Palestinian state, but stalled negotiations and ongoing violence have hindered progress towards a peaceful solution.
Escalation of Violence and Settlement Expansion
The recent escalation of violence has resulted in the deaths of many Palestinians and Israelis. Efforts towards a two-state solution have also stalled, with the United States mediating past talks without significant progress. Meanwhile, Israel’s hard-right government continues to expand settlements in the West Bank, despite international condemnation.
The Israeli Occupation and Palestinian Issue
Since the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel has occupied the West Bank and later annexed East Jerusalem, actions that are not internationally recognized. The Israeli military also maintains a blockade on the Gaza Strip, which is ruled by Hamas. While Saudi Arabia is working towards an agreement with Israel, they emphasize that the Palestinian issue remains of utmost importance to Riyadh.
