Saudi Arabia Condemns Netanyahu's Remarks on Displacement of Gazans

Feb. 9, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned recent statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the displacement of Palestinians, calling them an attempt to deflect attention from “crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza.”

In an official statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, the Kingdom praised the unified stance of Arab and Muslim countries in rejecting Netanyahu’s remarks and reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause.

Saudi Arabia categorically rejected any discourse suggesting the forced displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing that such rhetoric aims to justify and obscure systematic violations against Palestinian civilians. 

The statement underscored the Kingdom’s view that Israel's actions amount to ethnic cleansing, as the occupation has led to the destruction of Gaza, with over 160,000 casualties, the majority being women and children.

The Kingdom further stressed that Palestinians are rightful inhabitants of their land, not outsiders to be expelled at will. 

“The Kingdom affirms that the Palestinian people have a right to their land, and they are not intruders or immigrants to it who can be expelled whenever the brutal Israeli occupation wishes,” the statement read.

The statement accused extremist elements within Israel of obstructing peace efforts by rejecting Arab-led peace initiatives and perpetuating systemic injustices against Palestinians for over 75 years, in violation of international law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Saudi Arabia's stance also aligns with its broader foreign policy regarding normalization with Israel. 

As highlighted in reports by the Cairo Review and the Atlantic Council, Saudi-Israeli normalization has been a subject of international diplomatic discussions. 

However, as reported by Anadolu Agency (AA), Saudi Arabia has consistently denied U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of an imminent normalization, asserting that no formal relations will be established with Israel without the recognition of a Palestinian state.

These reports emphasize that while geopolitical and strategic interests may push for stronger regional alliances, Saudi Arabia remains firm in its position that any diplomatic agreements must include substantial progress on the Palestinian issue. 

The Kingdom reiterates that lasting peace can only be achieved through rational dialogue and adherence to the two-state solution, ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to live in dignity and sovereignty.