Saudi Arabia reaffirms support for Palestinian state at donor meeting

BRUSSELS — Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering political, economic and diplomatic support for the Palestinian government.The Kingdom stressed its commitment to working with regional and international partners to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.Representing the Kingdom at the second meeting of the Palestine Donors Group in Brussels, Dr. Manal Radwan, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical nine months after the ceasefire, citing continued Israeli military control over nearly 70% of the territory, Hamas' control of the remaining areas, and ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid, early recovery efforts, reconstruction, and the restoration of civilian life.Radwan also highlighted the continued expansion of Israeli settlements, settler violence, and unilateral measures in the occupied West Bank, stressing that the situation represents not only a humanitarian crisis but also a political one that requires a political solution.She welcomed the international community's continued political support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), calling for that support to be translated into sustainable financial commitments to ensure the agency can continue providing humanitarian, educational, and healthcare services to millions of Palestinian refugees.Radwan also underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States, describing it as a key element in advancing a comprehensive political settlement.She said President Donald Trump's vision for ending the Middle East conflict through a comprehensive peace that guarantees security, prosperity, and regional integration remains important to achieving lasting stability.