Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal Discusses Two-State Solution At Antalya Meeting On Middle East Peace

Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the "Antalya Ministerial Meeting on the Two-State Solution and Permanent Peace in the Middle East" in Türkiye. He emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza that is sustainable and can help ease the suffering of its people. This ceasefire should also pave the way for a lasting resolution to establish a Palestinian state.

The minister highlighted that linking aid entry into Gaza with a ceasefire breaches international law. He stated, "The entry of aid to Gaza cannot be linked to a ceasefire, as this violates the foundations of international law, and preventing aid from reaching the Gaza Strip and using it as a tool of war is also a flagrant violation of all norms and the foundations of international law and is rejected by all."

Prince Faisal urged global powers to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza's civilians adequately. He expressed Saudi Arabia's firm stance against any displacement of Palestinians from their homeland, even if it appears voluntary. The minister noted that Palestinians in Gaza face severe shortages of essential supplies.

He explained that if Gazans lack food, water, electricity, and face daily threats of military attacks, any departure cannot be considered voluntary but rather coercive. Prince Faisal stated, "If aid is not entering, if the residents of Gaza are deprived of food, drink, and electricity, and if they are threatened every day with military bombardment, then even if one of them is forced to leave, that is not a voluntary leaving but a form of coercion."

The foreign minister reiterated that any displacement under any guise is unacceptable. He affirmed that Arab and Islamic nations remain committed to achieving comprehensive peace. This peace must ensure regional security while safeguarding Palestinian rights within an independent state framework.

Prince Faisal underscored that this commitment aims to secure both regional stability and a future for Palestinians. The focus remains on establishing an independent Palestinian state as part of this broader peace initiative.

With inputs from SPA