Statements by the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Hussein Al-Sheikh, and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, have shown a tangible shift in the positions of many international countries, especially in Europe, where many are preparing to recognize the Palestinian state in the near future. Al-Sheikh affirmed that this shift serves a two-state solution in accordance with international law.
These statements come in the context of diplomatic efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia to support the demand for recognition of the Palestinian state, following the failure of the United States to pass a resolution in the Security Council calling for recognition of the Palestinian state, which angered the Palestinian Authority and drew criticism from Arab countries.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized, in remarks to the media, the importance of Saudi efforts and their impact in directing some European countries towards recognizing the Palestinian state. He clarified that the meeting between foreign ministers of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council was an opportunity to exert pressure to achieve this goal.
In reference to Saudi Arabia's stance, the statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel unless the Palestinian state is recognized and the war on Gaza is halted, with the withdrawal of all Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip.
