Why Saudi Arabia’s stance on Palestine is a model worth supporting

Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for Palestinian rights reflects its deep commitment to justice, international law, and a vision for lasting peace in the Middle East. The Kingdom’s stance against actions such as settlement expansion and forced displacement shows its role as both a moral leader and a key political force in the region.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s statements reaffirm what has been a consistent pillar of Saudi foreign policy: advocating Palestinian rights and supporting a two-state solution. This is not a new position — it is a deeply rooted policy that has guided Saudi Arabia for decades.

The Arab Peace Initiative, introduced by Saudi Arabia in 2002, is still one of the most comprehensive frameworks for resolving the Israeli Palestinian conflict. The proposal is simple but powerful: normalization of relations with Israel in exchange for its withdrawal to pre-1967 borders and the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This isn’t just diplomacy — it’s a blueprint for peace built on fairness, respect, and international law.

Some argue that Saudi Arabia’s strong stance on Palestinian autonomy could enhance its diplomatic flexibility. By maintaining a principled position on Palestinian rights, the Kingdom may strengthen alliances, aligning with the broader Arab and Muslim world, reinforcing solidarity and collaboration on common issues; enhance credibility, establishing itself as a consistent and principled actor in international relations, gaining respect from other nations; and leverage negotiations, using its firm stance as a bargaining chip in diplomatic discussions with global powers and regional actors, potentially securing more favorable outcomes.

However, this approach also comes with challenges, such as balancing relations with key international partners while advocating Palestinian rights. Navigating these complexities requires strategic diplomacy and steadfast commitment to core principles. But the Kingdom has made it clear: short-term compromises are not worth sacrificing long-term justice. Ignoring Palestinian rights doesn’t just harm the people directly affected, it also fuels instability across the region and erodes trust. Saudi Arabia’s leaders understand that true peace requires addressing the root of the conflict, not skirting around it. By sticking to its principles, the Kingdom sends a powerful message to the world: justice and peace go hand in hand.

This kind of leadership challenges the international community to engage in fair, balanced negotiations that respect Palestinian aspirations

Khaled Manzlawiy

Saudi Arabia’s consistent advocacy for Palestinians is not just about the Israeli Palestinian issue — it is also about bringing Arab nations together. By creating a united front on such a core issue, the Kingdom reinforces solidarity in a region that often struggles with division. This kind of leadership challenges the international community to engage in fair, balanced negotiations that respect Palestinian aspirations.

Saudi Arabia’s position has ripple effects far beyond the Middle East. It sets an example for principled diplomacy by refusing to accept one-sided deals that ignore the rights of the oppressed. It is significant because it boosts Arab unity, strengthening alliances within the Arab world by focusing on a shared goal; it encourages fair diplomacy, pushing global powers to prioritize balanced peace efforts over quick fixes; it eases regional tensions, highlighting the need to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a core issue to prevent future unrest; and it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership, positioning the Kingdom as a principled defender of justice on the world stage.

The situation in Gaza adds even more urgency to this issue. Forced displacement of Palestinians is not only a violation of international law, but also ethnic cleansing, plain and simple. This is not just about land or politics, it’s about millions of lives, hopes, and dreams being destroyed. Saudi Arabia’s leadership reminds the world that peace is possible only when justice prevails.

The global community must act now. The people of Gaza are not just statistics, they are human beings with the right to live in peace and dignity. Failing to address their plight undermines the very principles of international law and humanity.

In a region often marked by division and conflict, Saudi Arabia’s principled approach offers hope. It is a reminder that true leadership means standing up for what is right, even when that is not the easiest path. For those who care about justice and stability, the Kingdom’s stance on Palestinian rights is a model worth supporting.

At its core, this is about more than politics — it is about fairness, humanity, and the belief that peace can be built only on a foundation of justice.

• Dr. Khaled Manzlawiy is assistant secretary-general for international political affairs at the Arab League. X: @khaledManzlawiy