Recognizing Palestinian state is a ‘strategic necessity' Saudi Arabia tells UN
LONDON: Recognizing the state of Palestine is a 'strategic necessity' that would mark the beginning of peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia told a UN meeting on Friday.
The comments come as the Kingdom and France prepare to co-chair a global conference next month designed to hasten the implementation of a two-state solution to end decades of conflict between Israel and Palestinians.
The effort has gained further support this week as the devastating toll of Israel's resumed assault on Gaza sparked further international anger.
Speaking at a UN General Assembly meeting in preparation for the conference, the co-chair Manal Radwan, counsellor at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry, said a just solution to the Palestinian question is not only a moral and legal imperative, but 'the cornerstone of a new regional order based on mutual recognition and coexistence.'
'Regional peace begins with recognizing the state of Palestine, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a strategic necessity,' she said.
'It is the only way to eliminate the space exploited by non-state actors and replace despair with a political horizon, grounded in rights and sovereignty, ensuring, security, and dignity for all.'
Radwan described the meeting as a moment of 'historic urgency' with Gaza 'enduring unimaginable suffering' and civilians continue to pay the price of war 'that must end immediately.'
She said Saudi Arabia was honored to stand with other nations committed to the diplomatic effort aiming to bring 'real, irreversible, and transformative change, to ensure, once and for all, the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine.'
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Asharq Al-Awsat
an hour ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
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Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia voices ‘great concern' over US strikes on Iran, leads calls for restraint, de-escalation
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It is unwilling to pay more, and there is no national interest in doing so, especially since the cost of these wars was and will be greater than its ability to bear.' الرئيس عون: - لبنان قيادة وأحزاباً وشعباً، مدرك اليوم، اكثر من اي وقت مضى، انه دفع غالياً ثمن الحروب التي نشبت على أرضه وفي المنطقة، وهو غير راغب في دفع المزيد ولا مصلحة وطنية في ذلك، لاسيما وان كلفة هذه الحروب كانت وستكون اكبر من قدرته على الاحتمال. - قصف المنشآت النووية… — Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) June 22, 2025 'The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities raises fears of an escalation of tensions that could threaten security and stability in more than one region and country. 'The President of the Republic calls for restraint and the launch of constructive and serious negotiations to restore stability to the countries of the region and avoid further killing and destruction,' the statement added. 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Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters Sunday it was crucial to calm the situation as soon as possible, adding that the Iranian nuclear weapons development also must be prevented. Ishiba, asked if he supports the US attacks on Iran, declined to comment. He was speaking to reporters after an emergency meeting with officials from key ministries over the US military action. Ishiba said officials are still assessing details and doing their utmost to protect the safety of the Japanese nationals in Iran, Israel and elsewhere in the region. While the US attacks on Iran do not affect Japan's stable energy supply for the time being, Ishiba said, he has instructed officials to 'watch the development with a sense of urgency and take every precaution' to prevent an increase in oil and utility costs ahead of the summer when energy demand rises. South Korea South Korea's presidential office said it would hold an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the security and economic ramifications of the US strikes and potential South Korean responses. Australia Australia, which shuttered its embassy in Tehran and evacuated staff Friday, continued to push for a diplomatic end to the conflict. 'We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,' a government official said in a written statement. 'We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace.' 'The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was predictably all praises for Trump's decision. 'Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities, with the awesome and righteous might of the United States, will change history,' he said in a video message directed at the American president. Netanyahu said the US 'has done what no other country on earth could do.' Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also thanked Trump for his 'historic decision to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Today, President Trump proved that 'Never Again' is not just a slogan — it's a policy.' In Washington, Congressional Republicans — and at least one Democrat — immediately praised Trump after he announced his fateful attack order. 'Well done, President Trump,' Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina posted on X. Texas Sen. John Cornyn called it a 'courageous and correct decision.' Alabama Sen. Katie Britt called the bombings 'strong and surgical.' Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin posted: 'America first, always.' Good. This was the right call. The regime deserves it. Well done, President @realDonaldTrump. To my fellow citizens: We have the best Air Force in the world. It makes me so proud. Fly, Fight, Win. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 22, 2025 The Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, said Trump 'has made a deliberate — and correct — decision to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime.' Wicker posted on X that 'we now have very serious choices ahead to provide security for our citizens and our allies.' The quick endorsements of stepped up US involvement in Iran came after Trump had publicly mulled the strikes for days and many congressional Republicans had cautiously said they thought he would make the right decision. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Saturday evening that 'as we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm's way.' Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, were briefed ahead of the strikes on Saturday, according to people familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it. Johnson said in a statement that the military operations 'should serve as a clear reminder to our adversaries and allies that President Trump means what he says.' House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford, R-Arkansas, said he had also been in touch with the White House and 'I am grateful to the US servicemembers who carried out these precise and successful strikes.' Breaking from many of his Democratic colleagues, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, an outspoken supporter of Israel, also praised the attacks on Iran. 'As I've long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS,' he posted. 'Iran is the world's leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities.' Both parties have seen splits in recent days over the prospect of striking Iran. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican and a longtime opponent of US involvement in foreign wars, posted on X after Trump announced the attacks that 'This is not Constitutional.' Many Democrats have maintained that Congress should have a say. The Senate was scheduled to vote as soon as this week on a resolution by Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine requiring congressional approval before the US declared war on Iran or took specific military action. Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House intelligence panel, posted on X after Trump's announcement: 'According to the Constitution we are both sworn to defend, my attention to this matter comes BEFORE bombs fall. Full stop.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Calls for Restraint after US Strikes in Iran
Saudi Arabia said Sunday that it was 'following with deep concern the developments' in Iran, particulary the targeting of nuclear facilities by the US, calling for 'restraint.' In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated its condemnation of the violation of Iran's sovevereignty. 'The Kingdom underscroes the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, deescalate tensions, and avoid further escalation,' it said. 'The Kingdom also calls on the international community to intensify its efforts during this highly sensitive period to reach a political solution that would bring an end to the crisis and open a new chapter for achieving security and stability in the region,' the statement added.
