On Wednesday 5th of February 2025, following American President Donald Trump’s remark that the Saudis were not calling for a Palestinian state, Saudi Arabia stated that it would not develop relations with Israel until a Palestinian state was established.

Trump made the unexpected suggestion on Tuesday 4th of Feb that the United States will occupy the destroyed by war Gaza Strip, relocate Palestinians to other areas, and then develop it economically. He was addressing a joint news conference with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister who was in town.

Also Read: Arab Nations Urge US to Oppose Palestinian Evictions from Gaza

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman confirmed the kingdom’s view in “a clearly stated manner” that does not permit any misunderstanding under any conditions, according to an announcement from the Saudi foreign ministry.

The statement declared Saudi Arabia’s position toward the Palestinians is unchangeable and that it opposes any efforts to drive them off their land.

Throughout the press conference with Trump, Netanyahu stated that Israel will give Saudi Arabia a fair chance and would be successful.

After months of diplomatic efforts by the United States to convince Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel and normalize relations with it, the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, forcing Riyadh to put the issue on hold in the face of Arab frustration at Israel’s attacks.