29-07-2025
Saudi Arabia's Princess Reema says two-state solution only way to end ‘bloodshed' in Gaza
Saudi Arabia 's Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar said that a two-state solution that recognizes both Palestine and Israel is the 'only framework that can end the bloodshed, rebuild Gaza, and create a sustainable future.'
Her statement came in parallel with a high-level international conference at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, which sought to chart a path toward Palestinian statehood.
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She stressed that 'the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long-advocated for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace, one that ensures dignity and self-determination for Palestinians while establishing a foundation of security and stability for Israel and the region.'
she emphasized that 'This is not merely a diplomatic position; it is a moral, strategic, and practical necessity grounded in justice and the pursuit of a shared future.'
Princess Reema added that Saudi Arabia's commitment to peace is embedded in its national vision: 'Our pursuit of peace and security for the region is both part of our history and central to goals for modernization and growth under Vision 2030.'
Normalization in exchange for Palestinian statehood
Referencing the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, she said, 'The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has championed a peaceful resolution for decades… based on the conviction that peace in the region is inseparable from justice for Palestinians.'
A two-state solution would offer Israel a chance for normalization with Arab states in exchange for the establishment of a Palestinian state, the ambassador said.
'This vision… offers Israel full normalization with the Arab world in exchange for Palestinian statehood. The two-state solution is essential because it addresses the root causes of the conflict: the denial of Palestinian self-determination and the insecurity that fuels extremism on both sides,' Princess Reema said.
The dire situation in Gaza
Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the ambassador warned that 'the humanitarian toll is staggering: 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced, and famine looms as aid trickles in.'
'A two-state solution is the only framework that can end the bloodshed, rebuild Gaza, and create a sustainable future. Without it, we risk perpetuating a cycle of violence that breeds despair and empowers extremists.'
She concluded, 'The suffering in Gaza, the despair in the West Bank, and the insecurity in Israel demand a new reality. A two-state solution is not a dream; it is the only path to justice, security, and stability. Let us act with courage and urgency to build a future where Palestinians and Israelis live in peace, dignity, and mutual respect. The world must stand on the right side of history – now.'
High-level UN conference
The High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution was held on Monday with the goal of creating a concrete framework to support the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state and enhance prospects for lasting peace.
Participating members included Spain, Jordan, Indonesia, Italy, Norway, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, Senegal, the League of Arab States, and the European Union, with a working group dedicated to Peace Day efforts.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the gathering 'a decisive turning point… that catalyzes irreversible progress towards ending the occupation and realizing our shared aspiration for a viable two-state solution.'
However, the United States and Israel boycotted the summit, labeling it 'a gift to Hamas' and argued that it overlooked key concerns such as hostage release and anti-terror measures. A senior US official told Reuters the event was 'unproductive and ill-timed.'
Despite the boycott, the conference marked a renewed diplomatic push led by Saudi Arabia to mobilize global support for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian cause.
