Saudi Arabia has suspended discussions about the potential normalization of relations with Israel, as per a source speaking to AFP. This pause comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Hamas initiated a significant offensive against Israel on October 7, resulting in the loss of 1,300 lives. This triggered a retaliatory bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has claimed the lives of at least 1,900 individuals, with the possibility of an Israeli ground invasion looming.
The decision to halt talks on potential normalization has been communicated to US officials. Saudi Arabia, known for hosting Islam’s holiest sites, has never formally recognized Israel and did not participate in the 2020 US-brokered Abraham Accords, which led to Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco establishing official relations with Israel.
The administration of US President Joe Biden has been actively advocating for Saudi Arabia to take steps toward normalization. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s de facto leadership, Riyadh had outlined specific conditions for normalization, including security assurances from Washington and assistance in developing a civilian nuclear program.
Prince Mohammed, in a recent interview with Fox News, indicated that progress was being made toward a deal, but he also stressed the importance of addressing the Palestinian issue, describing it as “very important” for Riyadh.
This development regarding the suspension of normalization discussions coincides with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s scheduled meeting with his Saudi counterpart during his six-nation tour of the region.
Over the past week, Saudi Arabia has expressed increasing concern about the well-being of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip under Hamas control, where Israel has launched numerous airstrikes and ordered the evacuation of the northern area, prompting thousands to flee. potential normalization of relations
Saudi Arabia has also made diplomatic efforts to “stop the ongoing escalation” and reached out to regional leaders both within and beyond the region. Notably, Crown Prince Mohammed engaged in a call with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, discussing the current military situation in Gaza and its surroundings, marking the first communication between the two leaders since they announced a surprise rapprochement brokered by China in March, ending seven years of severed ties.
On Friday, Saudi Arabia issued a strong statement condemning the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and attacks on “defenseless civilians,” representing the kingdom’s most forceful criticism of Israel since the conflict began.