Saudi Arabia's Unwavering Support For The Palestinian Cause And Lebanon's Humanitarian Needs

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Arab unity, particularly focusing on the Palestinian cause and Lebanon. This commitment is evident in its efforts to address the Arab-Israeli conflict, supporting Palestinians and preserving Islamic sites in Jerusalem. Saudi Arabia's historical dedication is documented at various levels, including its role in securing UN Security Council Resolution 478 in 1980.

Saudi Arabia's support for Lebanon dates back to King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud's reign. The Kingdom has hosted summits to aid Lebanon, including a mini-Arab summit in 1976 aimed at ending the Lebanese civil war. Following the 1982 Israeli invasion, Saudi Arabia provided reconstruction aid and participated in peace negotiations.

In October 2000, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz proposed funds to support Palestinian families affected by conflicts. The Jerusalem Intifada Fund was capitalized at $200 million, while the Al-Aqsa Fund received $800 million to preserve Jerusalem's identity. Saudi Arabia pledged a quarter of the total funding and committed to supporting 1,000 Palestinian families.

At the Arab Economic Summit in Kuwait in January 2009, Saudi Arabia pledged $1 billion for Gaza's reconstruction. This included medical supplies and evacuations from Egypt to Saudi hospitals. A nationwide fundraising campaign further amplified this humanitarian response to Israeli attacks on Gaza.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud named the 29th Arab Summit as the "Jerusalem Summit" in April 2018. This reaffirmed the importance of the Palestinian cause with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Kingdom contributed $150 million to Islamic Endowments in Jerusalem and $50 million to UNRWA.

Saudi Arabia ranks among the top donors to Palestine, contributing over $5 billion through numerous projects according to the Saudi Aid Platform. During recent Gaza crises, under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's leadership, significant humanitarian aid was provided alongside a fundraising campaign exceeding SAR697 million.

Lebanon: A History of Brotherhood

Following Lebanon's devastating Beirut port explosion, Saudi Arabia expressed solidarity with full support for its people. The Kingdom's total aid amounts to over $2 billion through various projects as per the Saudi Aid Platform. The Saudi Fund for Development has provided loans totaling $347 million for education, roads, health, and infrastructure projects.

The Taif Conference convened by Saudi Arabia led to an agreement ending Lebanon's civil war and establishing a new constitutional framework. In 2006, after Israeli aggression, Saudi Arabia provided $50 million in emergency relief for Lebanon. At Paris III Conference in January 2007, it pledged $1 billion for development projects through coordination with Lebanon’s government.

Continued Commitment

The Kingdom's enduring humanitarian commitment is reflected through initiatives like establishing a relief air bridge to Lebanon via King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. By , 22 aircraft carrying essential supplies have arrived there. This underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for Lebanon amid crises.

An Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit called by Saudi Arabia highlighted unified condemnation of Israeli actions in Palestine and Lebanon. It aimed at fostering international partnerships through coordination among entities like the League of Arab States and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Saudi Arabia welcomed recognition of Palestine by Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Armenia on . It urged other nations, especially permanent UN Security Council members, to recognise Palestine based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

With inputs from SPA