Saudi FM highlights Israeli violations blocking two-state solution

Riyadh, August 25, 2025 — Saudi Arabia has once again underlined the urgent need for a two-state solution, warning that Israeli violations are steadily blocking peace efforts and undermining the international community’s attempts to end decades of conflict. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed that continued settlement expansion, land annexation, and military aggression are creating a climate where peace is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.

Saudi Calls for Ceasefire and Palestinian Statehood

Speaking during an emergency ministerial session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Prince Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom’s consistent position in support of the Palestinian cause. He stated that Saudi Arabia stands firmly behind the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasized that Israeli practices are not only harming Palestinians but also weakening regional and global diplomatic initiatives designed to pave the way for peace.

The minister also renewed calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, warning that the humanitarian toll of the conflict is unacceptable and cannot be ignored. According to him, the international community must take concrete action to ensure that Israel halts its aggressive measures and adheres to international law.

Settlement Expansion and Annexation

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly condemned Israel’s continued settlement expansion in the West Bank and its plans to annex Palestinian land. In recent weeks, Riyadh strongly criticized Israel’s decision to accelerate construction projects and displace more Palestinian families. According to Saudi officials, these actions represent clear violations of international law and a deliberate attempt to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

By pursuing unilateral measures, Israel is sending a message that it prefers confrontation to dialogue, the Saudi foreign minister said. He added that such policies destroy trust and make it impossible to create the conditions necessary for peace talks to succeed.

Blocked Diplomatic Visit

The Saudi foreign minister also drew attention to Israel’s refusal to allow a planned visit by a delegation of Arab ministers to the West Bank. The delegation was to include senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain. According to Prince Faisal, this decision revealed Israel’s unwillingness to engage with diplomatic solutions and its determination to block constructive dialogue.

He warned that undermining the Palestinian Authority and obstructing international engagement only deepens the crisis. For Saudi Arabia, the refusal to allow such a visit was not only a political setback but also a clear indication that Israel is deliberately working against peace efforts.

International Efforts to Revive the Two State Solution

Saudi Arabia is not acting alone in this matter. In recent months, Riyadh has worked with several international partners to push forward the two-state agenda. Earlier this year, Prince Faisal co-launched a global alliance with Norway’s foreign minister to promote the two-state solution, an initiative that gained support from nearly 90 countries.

In addition, Saudi Arabia and France co-hosted a major United Nations conference in Paris aimed at reviving the two-state solution. The conference, which brought together more than 125 countries, focused on countering attempts to erase the vision of two states. During the event, Saudi Arabia reiterated that normalization with Israel would not be possible without recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The French foreign minister also called on the European Union to increase pressure on Israel, particularly by demanding a halt to settlements, restoring funding to the Palestinian Authority, and ensuring fairer systems for humanitarian aid delivery. These initiatives demonstrated growing global consensus around the need to preserve the two-state solution.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

While diplomatic efforts continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Since October 2023, the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, with many more injured or displaced. Saudi Arabia has consistently called for immediate international action to alleviate the suffering of civilians.

Prince Faisal has stressed that the Gaza crisis cannot be resolved through military solutions. Instead, a political resolution that recognizes the legitimate rights of Palestinians is the only way forward. He also reminded world leaders that failure to address the humanitarian catastrophe would fuel instability across the entire Middle East.

Reports from the ground highlight severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter. The blockade and repeated military campaigns have destroyed much of Gaza’s infrastructure, leaving families in desperate conditions. Saudi Arabia has already sent humanitarian aid and pledged further assistance, but officials argue that aid alone is not enough without a permanent end to the violence.

Global Pressure on Israel

Saudi Arabia and its allies are urging stronger international measures to compel Israel to comply with international law. Suggestions include diplomatic pressure at the United Nations, economic measures by the European Union, and closer coordination between Arab and Muslim countries to present a united front.

The Kingdom has made it clear that its position on normalization with Israel is conditional and will not proceed without progress on Palestinian statehood. This stance has added significant weight to regional diplomacy and placed further pressure on Israel to reconsider its policies.

The Way Forward

For Saudi Arabia, the two-state solution remains the only realistic option to achieve lasting peace in the region. Prince Faisal has underlined that while the Kingdom remains committed to diplomatic engagement, it will not compromise on its core principles. The creation of a sovereign Palestinian state, the protection of Palestinian rights, and the end of occupation are non-negotiable elements of any future agreement.

The Saudi foreign minister concluded his recent statement by urging the international community not to allow the current situation to become permanent. He stressed that failure to act now would condemn future generations to continued violence, instability, and lost opportunities for peace.

Saudi Arabia’s firm stance demonstrates that the Palestinian question remains central to regional stability and international diplomacy. By highlighting Israeli violations and mobilizing global support, Riyadh is seeking to ensure that the two-state solution stays alive despite mounting challenges. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens and settlement expansion accelerates, the urgency of decisive international action has never been greater.