Riyadh’s Stance Emerges as Key Condition for Broader Regional Peace
RIYADH, KSA – A significant development has emerged from Saudi Arabia, indicating that the complete removal of Hamas from power in the Gaza Strip is a firm precondition for any normalization agreement with Israel. This stance, conveyed by a Saudi source close to the royal court to i24NEWS, suggests a critical linkage between the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader pursuit of regional peace.
The anonymous Saudi source, speaking with i24NEWS Middle East correspondent Ariel Oseran, was unequivocal, stating, “Without removing Hamas, there will be no peace.” This declaration underscores the depth of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to seeing the Hamas terrorist government entirely dislodged from its governance role in the coastal enclave.
Palestinian Authority Eyed for Post-Hamas Governance
The report further indicates that the Saudi government is hopeful the Palestinian Authority (PA), led by Mahmoud Abbas, will be restored to power in Gaza once the Hamas government has fallen. This suggests a preferred successor for governing the territory, aligning with a vision for a more unified Palestinian leadership.
Implications for Regional Normalization and Abraham Accords
This is reportedly the first indication that ending the war now, instead of continuing until Hamas is completely defeated, may jeopardize efforts to secure normalization accords with Arab and Muslim nations. It also raises questions about the future of the Trump Administration’s efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, which saw several Arab nations establish diplomatic ties with Israel. The Saudi position suggests that a premature end to the conflict, without achieving the stated goal of Hamas’s removal, could stall or even derail these broader diplomatic initiatives, as Hamas’s continued presence risks the possibility of a lasting peace in the region.
Trump’s Ceasefire Hopes and Upcoming Meeting with Netanyahu
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, who was instrumental in the Abraham Accords, stated earlier this week that he believes a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached “sometime next week.” He also reiterated his strong desire to see all remaining Israeli hostages returned.
This upcoming meeting will likely be a crucial juncture for discussions on the conflict’s resolution and its implications for regional stability and normalization efforts.
