Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) reiterated his unwavering support for Palestine during a call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on October 9. MbS expressed the Kingdom's commitment to the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, striving for a dignified life and a just and lasting peace, amidst escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip.
Expressing concern over the worsening situation in Gaza, where Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign in response to a daring Hamas operation, MbS emphasized the need for international efforts to halt the escalation. Phone conversations with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi followed, where the crown prince urged concerted actions to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region.
The outbreak of hostilities occurred as Saudi Arabia engaged in U.S.-sponsored efforts to normalize ties with Israel. However, the war and brutal response against Gaza seemingly derailed any prospects of normalization. Observers suggest that the conflict shifted the focus away from potential deals to address urgent humanitarian concerns.
Hamas warned Arab countries that Israel could not provide protection, cautioning against normalization agreements. Saudi Arabia, in response, called for an immediate cessation of the escalation, emphasizing the protection of civilians and condemning the ongoing occupation and deprivation of Palestinian rights.
Other Gulf nations, including Qatar and the UAE, released statements condemning Israel's actions. Qatar held Israel solely responsible for the escalation, while the UAE expressed condolences for victims and called for a halt to the conflict. The Emirati Foreign Ministry condemned the Hamas operation as a serious escalation, expressing dismay over the capture of Israelis.
