Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed that its foremost priority remains securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, even as discussions surrounding the possible normalisation of diplomatic relations with Israel continue to circulate. The statement, made during a diplomatic visit to Moscow, underscores the kingdom’s firm stance that peace in the region must come before any diplomatic breakthroughs.
The remarks followed a question regarding the potential for Saudi-Israeli normalisation—an issue that has gained momentum in recent years, especially in the wake of the 2020 Abraham Accords. Those accords opened the door for several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, to formalise relations with Israel. Observers have since speculated that Saudi Arabia, the most influential Arab power in the Gulf, could follow suit.
However, the kingdom has made it clear that normalisation is not on the immediate agenda. The ongoing violence in Gaza and the broader humanitarian crisis remain serious obstacles to such a move. According to the foreign minister, the kingdom is committed to ending the bloodshed and ensuring a just resolution to the Palestinian issue before entering any formal diplomatic arrangements.
Saudi Arabia’s position highlights the broader sentiment across much of the Arab world, where there is widespread public outrage over the military operations in Gaza. Civilian casualties, the destruction of infrastructure, and the blockade on essential supplies have drawn sharp criticism. In this climate, calls for Arab unity and support for the Palestinian cause have grown louder.
In his statements, the foreign minister reiterated that the humanitarian situation must be addressed urgently, and that only a complete and lasting ceasefire can pave the way for meaningful political progress. He emphasised that any future negotiations—whether involving normalisation or broader peace efforts—must be grounded in respect for Palestinian rights, including the aspiration for statehood.
This perspective aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-standing position in support of a two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. The kingdom has repeatedly called for an end to the occupation and for the recognition of Palestinian sovereignty as essential prerequisites for stability in the region.
While the United States has continued to lobby for Saudi-Israeli normalisation as a major foreign policy goal, Saudi officials have resisted external pressure, maintaining that current conditions are incompatible with such a deal. Without a clear and irreversible halt to the conflict, the kingdom sees no pathway to official ties.
The comments made in Moscow reflect a calculated diplomatic posture—balancing international relations with regional sensitivities and domestic expectations. Saudi Arabia appears determined not to rush into a political decision that could undermine its credibility in the Arab and Muslim world, especially while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains unresolved.
In summary, while long-term diplomatic engagement with Israel may not be entirely ruled out, Saudi Arabia’s immediate and overriding concern is to help bring about an end to the suffering in Gaza. A permanent ceasefire, the foreign minister insisted, is the critical first step before any consideration of normalising relations can occur.
