JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has reasserted support for a Palestinian state after US President Donald Trump said Middle East peace does not depend on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Speaking on Monday after talks with his Italian counterpart, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said: “You have a peace deal which essentially calls for a settlement based on two states living side by side in peace and security.”
He added: “(A) Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the just settlement of refugees and just sharing water resources. This is the settlement that we believe is a fair and just settlement.”
Trump said last week he could accept a two-state solution or a single-state arrangement if it is agreed upon by all sides. Administration officials later said the US absolutely supports a two-state solution.
Following talks with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano, Al-Jubeir pointed to the long history of Saudi-Italian relations.
Both discussed challenges to the Middle East peace process, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Libya, in addition to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the role Italy may play in this regard.
Meanwhile, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, hosting a visit by his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, said his country believes in a “two-state solution.” Lee explained his stand at a joint news briefing with Netanyahu, who does not endorse the two-state approach. Lee said he realizes a two-state solution is difficult to achieve, but said it is the only way to achieve peace.
“We have consistently believed that a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, however hard to achieve, is the only way to bring peace and security to both peoples,” Lee said.
Netanyahu did not mention tensions in the Middle East in his remarks at the news briefing, after which questions were not allowed.
But afterward, at a state dinner, he said he believes there is an opportunity to seek peace now “because I sense a great change in the Arab world, in many Arab countries, and I hope ... to be able to use that newfound attitude toward Israel to help us solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as well.”
Riyadh reaffirms support for two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Riyadh reaffirms support for two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Saudi health minister visits pilgrim who received emergency cardiac surgery in Arafat
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel recently visited a Hajj pilgrim who had received emergency cardiac surgery at East Arafat Hospital.
The minister, who is also chairman of the Health Holding Co., made the visit during an inspection tour of healthcare facilities before the pilgrimage begins later this week, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The hospital is one of several medical facilities serving the holy sites during the Hajj.
Man jailed for illegal Hajj pilgrimage operation
- A preliminary ruling sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a 10,000 riyal ($2,666) fine
RIYADH: A Saudi resident has been jailed for a year for setting up an illegal Hajj operation with the intention of obtaining funds through deception via social media.
The public prosecution referred the defendant to the criminal court after he was found in possession of receipts connecting him to the criminal operation.
A preliminary ruling sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a 10,000 riyal ($2,666) fine, along with the confiscation of all devices and tools used in the crime.
The public prosecution said the creation of fake Hajj operations was a major crime punishable by detention and added that it would continue to pursue those who broke Hajj regulations.
Meanwhile, Hajj security forces arrested 36 residents who tried to enter Makkah without the correct permits. They were referred to the relevant authority.
KSrelief completes pediatric heart surgery, catheterization project in Aleppo
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has completed a pediatric cardiac surgery and catheterization program in Syria’s Aleppo, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Volunteer medical workers carried out the project — a part of the Saudi Amal Program for Syrians — which ran from May 16 to 23, the SPA reported.
The teams performed 28 cardiac catheterizations and two open-heart operations.
In addition, 30 diagnostic radiology services were provided, 30 laboratory tests conducted, and medications dispensed to 30 patients.
The project is an extension of the specialized volunteer medical initiatives carried out by KSrelief to help people in Syria.
Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues food aid to world’s needy
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has provided 2,339 food parcels to vulnerable people in the Syrian Arab Republic and Sudan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Syrians in Aleppo received 1,339 parcels, while in Sudan’s Blue Nile State 1,000 were delivered for 4,686 people, the report added.
Saudi Arabia continues to provide much-needed aid to communities in crisis across the world, the SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia congratulates Bahrain on election to UN Security Council
- Bahrain will begin its 2-year term as a nonpermanent member of the council on Jan. 1, 2026
- It was elected alongside Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia
RIYADH: Saudi authorities congratulated Bahrain on Tuesday after the nation was elected to serve as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2026-2027.
The election of the country “confirms the international community’s confidence in Bahrain’s ability to contribute effectively to strengthening international peace and security,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.
The Kingdom wished Bahrain success in representing the interests of the Arab group of nations within the UN and in carrying out its duties as a member of the council.
Bahrain was elected alongside Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia, all of which will serve two-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
The 15-member Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, consists of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the UK and the US — plus 10 nonpermanent members elected by the General Assembly to serve staggered, two-year terms. Bahrain and the other newly elected nations will therefore join five existing nonpermanent members whose terms conclude at the end of 2026: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia.
