Saudi Arabia rejects changes to the character of Palestinian territories — Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia stated in Geneva that it categorically rejects the forced displacement of Palestinians and attempts to alter the geographic or demographic character of the occupied Palestinian territory. The Kingdom also condemned the expansion of Israeli settlement activity and settler terrorism, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.

Statement at the UN Council session

Saudi Arabia’s position was presented by its Permanent Mission to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council. The session considered the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.

Salem Al-Qahtani, Director General of the General Administration for Humanitarian Affairs at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the path to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace lies in implementing the two-state solution. According to him, this entails supporting the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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Position on Gaza and settlements

Al-Qahtani also condemned the continuation of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. Saudi Arabia, he said, stressed the need to adhere to the ceasefire and ensure the full protection of civilians.

The Kingdom’s representative welcomed steps by a number of states to recognize the State of Palestine, as well as stronger accountability measures, including restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements. One year after the adoption of the New York Declaration, Riyadh reiterated the position of the co-chairs of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution: Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, constitute a single Palestinian territorial unit, and the occupation must end.