Saudi Arabia says no diplomatic ties with Israel unless Gaza conflict ends

Saudi Arabia said it told the U.S. administration that the kingdom won’t have diplomatic relations with Israel unless the latter stops its “aggressions” in the Gaza Strip and establishes Palestinian state.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry made the remarks in a statement refuting the White House’s saying that both Israel and Saudi Arabia gave “positive feedback” on normalising relations.

The ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian issue and the necessity that Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights.

“There would be no diplomatic ties with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“Also all Israeli occupation forces should withdraw from Gaza.”

John Kirby, the U.S. National Security Council spokesman said on Tuesday, a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Saudi Arabia that the U.S. government had been engaging in discussions with Israel and Saudi Arabia on “normalisation arrangement.”

He said it has been going on before and after the current Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023.