Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan stated that Israel must recognize that it cannot exist without the presence of a Palestinian state. This came during a press conference held by the Saudi foreign minister alongside Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell after an Arab-European ministerial meeting in Brussels to discuss the Palestinian issue. He emphasized that Israel endangers the lives of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, stating, "The situation in Gaza is deteriorating unacceptably."
Bin Farhan said, "We are focused on maintaining the two-state solution. There is international consensus that the only way to secure the rights of Palestinians and Israel is through a two-state solution. Israel must recognize that a two-state solution serves its interests and secures and protects its interests." He added, "If Israel does not realize this, it is a real concern."
Borrell remarked that the "two-state solution is not a painful concession for Israel, nor is it a threat to its security; on the contrary..." However, he confirmed that "the Israeli government is not convinced of this solution." Meanwhile, Eide clarified that the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis requires the efforts of all parties "so that the gap does not widen and violence does not increase."
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed "disappointment" during his visit to Israel last week after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he does not see a plan from Israel to end the war in Gaza. Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their recognition of the Palestinian state, a move that elicited discontent from Tel Aviv and welcomed by Palestine.
