The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Palestine is
anchored in shared Arab and Islamic heritage. Since the mid-20th century, Saudi
leaders have expressed consistent support for Palestinian rights, particularly
the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent
Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Saudi Arabia’s position has been shaped by its role as the
custodian of Islam’s two holiest sites in Mecca and Medina. This religious
responsibility places the kingdom in a central position within the Muslim
world, making its policies toward Palestine closely watched by both allies and
critics.
Early Years of Diplomatic Support
Following the creation of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent
displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, Saudi Arabia joined
other Arab states in opposing Israeli policies. The kingdom participated in
diplomatic and financial support for Palestinian refugees and resistance
movements.
Saudi Arabia was a founding member of the Arab League’s
committees on Palestine and took part in collective Arab decisions to boycott
Israel. The kingdom opposed any normalization with Israel without a
comprehensive peace agreement that guaranteed Palestinian rights.
The 1973 Oil Embargo and Political Leverage
One of the most significant moments in Saudi Arabia’s
political history regarding Palestine came during the 1973 Arab Israeli War. In
coordination with other Arab oil producing nations, Saudi Arabia imposed an oil
embargo on countries supporting Israel, including the United States.
This action demonstrated the kingdom’s willingness to use
economic power to advocate for Arab causes, including Palestinian liberation.
Economic and Humanitarian Aid
Saudi Arabia has consistently been one of the largest
financial supporters of Palestinian institutions. This aid has come in the form
of direct budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority, funding for
infrastructure projects, and contributions to the United Nations Relief and
Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
Over the years, billions of dollars have been pledged and
delivered to help Palestinians maintain essential services such as education,
healthcare, and housing.
Saudi Arabia has also funded the rebuilding of homes
destroyed during conflicts in Gaza, showing commitment to humanitarian
assistance even in politically tense times.
Diplomatic Balancing Act
In recent decades, Saudi Arabia has navigated a complex
diplomatic landscape. While firmly stating its support for Palestine, the
kingdom has also engaged in dialogue with Western nations, including those that
are strong supporters of Israel.
This balancing act has been part of Saudi Arabia’s broader
foreign policy aimed at securing economic partnerships, security agreements,
and regional stability.
The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, proposed by then Crown
Prince Abdullah, was a landmark in Saudi diplomacy. It offered normalization of
relations with Israel in exchange for full Israeli withdrawal from occupied
territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Although the
initiative was not accepted by Israel, it remains a reference point in regional
peace discussions.
Saudi Arabia’s Current Position on Palestine
In the last decade, regional dynamics have shifted, with
some Arab states choosing to normalize relations with Israel through the
Abraham Accords. Saudi Arabia has not formally joined these agreements,
although there have been reports of quiet cooperation with Israel on security
and economic matters.
Officially, the Saudi government maintains that
normalization will only occur after a just solution to the Palestinian issue,
in line with the Arab Peace Initiative.
This stance has been reiterated in public statements by
Saudi leaders, who emphasize the need for an independent Palestinian state as a
prerequisite for formal ties with Israel.
Public Sentiment and Grassroots Support
Within Saudi Arabia, public opinion remains overwhelmingly
supportive of the Palestinian cause. Grassroots campaigns, charity drives, and
public prayers for Palestine are common, especially during times of heightened
conflict in Gaza or the West Bank.
Social media platforms in Saudi Arabia often see trending
hashtags calling for Palestinian solidarity and urging international pressure
on Israel.
The Role of Religion in Solidarity
Religious identity plays a central role in the Saudi
public’s connection to Palestine. Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque is Islam’s third
holiest site, and its protection is seen as a collective duty of the Muslim
world. Saudi religious leaders frequently highlight the importance of defending
Palestinian rights during sermons, particularly during Friday prayers and
Ramadan.
Economic Influence on the Palestinian Cause
Saudi Arabia’s economic weight gives it the capacity to
influence global discussions on Palestine. As one of the world’s largest oil
exporters, the kingdom has historically used its economic partnerships to lobby
for Palestinian interests.
While the oil embargo strategy of the 1970s has not been
repeated, economic diplomacy remains a potential tool in Saudi foreign policy.
Challenges in the Relationship
Despite the official support, Palestinians sometimes express
frustration at what they perceive as limited concrete action from Arab states,
including Saudi Arabia, in stopping Israeli settlement expansion or lifting
blockades on Gaza.
This tension reflects the broader challenge faced by Saudi
Arabia in balancing domestic expectations, regional alliances, and
international partnerships.
The kingdom’s close ties with the United States, a key
supporter of Israel, complicate its ability to take stronger action without
risking strategic relationships.
Saudi Mediation Efforts
Saudi Arabia has hosted several rounds of Palestinian
reconciliation talks, aiming to bridge divisions between political factions
such as Fatah and Hamas.
The kingdom’s approach has been to promote unity among
Palestinians as a foundation for stronger negotiations with Israel and greater
international support.
While these efforts have had mixed results, they reflect
Saudi Arabia’s recognition that a divided Palestinian leadership weakens the overall
cause.
Regional Geopolitics and the Palestinian Issue
Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is influenced by broader
regional rivalries, including its competition with Iran. While Iran positions
itself as a staunch supporter of Palestinian resistance groups, Saudi Arabia
takes a more diplomatic route, emphasizing political solutions and
international law.
This difference in approach sometimes leads to accusations
that Saudi Arabia is not doing enough, but it also allows the kingdom to
maintain broader alliances that can be leveraged for Palestinian advocacy.
Humanitarian Challenges in Gaza and the West Bank
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly provided emergency aid during
conflicts in Gaza. Shipments of food, medical supplies, and shelter materials
have been sent during wars in 2008, 2014, and more recent escalations.
The kingdom’s humanitarian agencies work alongside
international organizations to deliver assistance, although access restrictions
often delay or limit delivery.
Education and Cultural Support
Saudi funded scholarships for Palestinian students are
another form of support. Hundreds of Palestinian students have studied in Saudi
universities, often in fields such as medicine, engineering, and Islamic
studies.
These educational opportunities strengthen cultural and
intellectual ties between the two societies.
The Road Ahead for Saudi Palestine Relations
The future of this relationship will depend on several
factors, including the outcome of regional normalization trends, the status of
Israeli Palestinian negotiations, and internal political developments within
both Saudi Arabia and Palestine.
Saudi Arabia’s ability to balance its role as a global
economic player, a leader in the Muslim world, and a supporter of Palestinian
rights will shape how it engages with the issue in coming years.
Why this Relationship Matters to Palestinians?
For Palestinians, Saudi Arabia’s influence can be a powerful
asset in international forums. Its economic leverage, religious leadership, and
political connections give it tools to advocate for Palestinian rights in ways
that smaller nations cannot.
However, the effectiveness of this support depends on how
actively Saudi Arabia chooses to use its influence, particularly in moments of
crisis.
Palestinians see value in continued Saudi engagement but
also hope for more decisive actions that can shift realities on the ground.
FAQs
What is Saudi Arabia’s official position on Palestine?
It supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian
state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace
Initiative.
Has Saudi Arabia normalized relations with Israel?
No, the kingdom maintains that normalization will only
happen after a just resolution to the Palestinian issue.
How much aid has Saudi Arabia given to Palestine?
Billions of dollars over decades, including budgetary
support, humanitarian relief, and infrastructure funding.
Does the Saudi public support Palestine?
Yes, public sentiment is strongly pro-Palestine, with
widespread grassroots and religious solidarity.
What role does Saudi Arabia play in Palestinian unity?
It has hosted reconciliation talks between Palestinian
factions to promote political unity.
How does Saudi Arabia balance its support for Palestine with its global alliances?
Saudi Arabia maintains a diplomatic balancing act by
supporting Palestinian statehood while also fostering relations with Western
powers. It emphasizes peaceful resolutions and often promotes the Arab Peace
Initiative as the framework for Middle East peace.