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east jerusalem

Saudi Crown Prince Rejects Trump’s Israel Normalization Push

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 26, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Saudi Crown Prince ‌mohammed bin⁢ salman rebuffed a‌ direct appeal from former U.S. President Donald Trump to join teh Abraham Accords, prioritizing the establishment of a Palestinian state as a precondition for normalizing relations with Israel.

The November 18th meeting in the ⁢oval Office saw Trump “strongly urge” the Saudi Crown Prince,⁢ known as‍ MBS, to sign onto the Accords-the U.S.-brokered agreements normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. However, MBS “pushed ⁢back” when pressed, according to reports from Axios, ‌which cited multiple U.S. officials. The exchange underscores the enduring centrality of the Palestinian issue ⁤to Saudi ArabiaS foreign⁢ policy and highlights a point of divergence between the two leaders.

This rejection carries significant implications for the future ⁤of the Abraham Accords and the broader landscape of Middle East diplomacy. While the Accords represented a major diplomatic achievement for the‍ Trump administration, their expansion hinges on securing buy-in from key regional players like Saudi ⁤Arabia.MBS’s insistence on a pathway to Palestinian statehood signals that ‌further normalization will require tangible progress on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict-a challenge that‌ has‌ stymied peace efforts for decades.

MBS arrived in Washington D.C. on an official working visit at the invitation of Trump, following ⁤direction from King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Following a warm welcome, MBS publicly stated his country’s desire to normalize⁣ relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, but reiterated that Palestinian statehood remains a critical prerequisite.⁤

“A⁢ ‘clear ⁤path’ ‍to the creation of a Palestinian state was needed before normalization could take place,” MBS stated. When Trump suggested his guests had a “vrey good feeling” about the Accords, the Crown Prince responded, “We want⁣ peace ⁤for Israel.⁣ We want peace for Palestine. We want them to coexist peacefully in the region, and we will do our best to make this happen.”

Riyadh has consistently emphasized the necessity of a just resolution to the conflict, beginning with ⁢the establishment of an self-reliant ‌Palestinian state, as a foundation for thorough and lasting regional peace. Two U.S.officials described MBS as a “strong leader” following the meeting, ⁣as reported by Axios.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

World

Palestinian President Answers Israeli Media: Rare Interview Reveals Strategy

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor October 10, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Palestinian President⁤ Abbas Responds to Israeli Media in Rare Interview, Details Ongoing Reforms

RAMALLAH – ‌Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, in a rare interview with Israel’s Channel ⁣12, addressed questions regarding reforms within the PA ‍adn its commitment to addressing international concerns, ‌including ‌those raised by the United States. ⁤Abbas answered ⁤questions posed in Hebrew entirely ⁢in Arabic. The⁤ interview‌ comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ⁣de-escalate tensions in the region and restart peace negotiations.

The interview provides ⁣a glimpse into ‌the Palestinian ⁤Authority’s viewpoint on critical issues, particularly its response to pressure from the US and Israel regarding financial payments to Palestinian prisoners and the families of those killed or imprisoned by Israel. Thes payments have been a longstanding point of contention,with critics labeling them “pay to kill” and ⁢alleging they incentivize violence. The ⁣interview signals a willingness by Abbas to engage with Israeli media directly, despite strained relations, and to articulate the PA’s position on key policy areas.

Abbas stated that reform processes were already underway, referencing a 20-point plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the conflict⁣ in gaza. He specifically addressed the contentious issue of prisoner salaries,stating,”I ‌want to say honestly — we have launched reforms…This reform includes prisoner salaries that we have agreed with ⁢the US and that the US has agreed to.”

The President announced reforms to the payment scheme in February, responding to pressure from both the US and Israel, who have characterized the payments as “financing for terrorism.” While Abbas confirmed these changes, ‍several Palestinian officials voiced criticism of the decision ‍at the time. He further indicated that reforms are being implemented across multiple sectors, including education, ⁢economy, health, and security, ‌with the goal of establishing a “model” Palestinian Authority capable⁢ of leading the Palestinian people.

Abbas noted that some reforms have been completed, while others remain ongoing. he also acknowledged ⁣prior calls for reform from Trump and other ‍international leaders ‍and organizations.

(whn/maa)

October 10, 2025 0 comments

World

What would recognition of Palestinian statehood actually change?

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 11, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Global Pressure Mounts on Israel as Nations Consider Palestinian State Recognition

Breaking: Several key Western nations – including spain,Ireland,and Norway – have officially recognized a Palestinian state,a move condemned by Israel as a reward for terrorism and occurring despite a recent,overwhelming knesset resolution rejecting Palestinian statehood. This decision, announced May 28, 2024, significantly shifts teh international landscape surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and comes amidst ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

Context: The recognition of Palestinian statehood is a deeply contentious issue with a long and complex history. While a meaningful portion of the international community – over 140 countries – already recognizes Palestine as a state, most Western European nations and the United States have refrained from doing so, citing the need for a negotiated two-state solution. This recent wave of recognition challenges that longstanding position.

Last year, Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, passed a resolution explicitly opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state “west of Jordan.” The resolution, detailed on the Knesset’s website, argues that such a state would “pose an existential danger to the State of Israel and its citizens, perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and destabilise the region.” It further claims that a Palestinian state would quickly fall under the control of hamas, becoming a “radical Islamic terror base” aligned with Iran and dedicated to Israel’s destruction, and that recognizing Palestinian statehood would “reward terrorism.”

The timing of these recognitions is notably sensitive. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed the move as “irrelevant,” criticizing the leaders of Canada, France, and the UK for offering concessions before the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

However, analysts suggest the shift in position by key US allies is significant. Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis Group, notes that these declarations are significant because they demonstrate a growing alignment between these nations and the “Global South” on the Palestinian question, making it more difficult for Israel to dismiss the pro-recognition camp.

Beyond the Original Article: Additional Crucial Details

Specifics of Recognition: Spain,Ireland,and Norway’s recognition is symbolic but carries weight. It allows for the establishment of full diplomatic relations with palestine. Norway has been a long-time facilitator of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Motivations for Recognition: The decisions by these nations are driven by a combination of factors, including growing public pressure, a perceived failure of the traditional peace process, and a desire to signal disapproval of Israel’s conduct in gaza.
Palestinian Response: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed the recognitions as a “historic moment” and a step towards achieving a fully sovereign Palestinian state.
Israeli Response: Israel has recalled its ambassadors from Spain, Ireland, and Norway in protest, escalating diplomatic tensions. The Israeli Foreign Minister has described the move as a “reward to terror.”
UN Status: Palestine is already a non-member observer state at the United Nations, granting it limited rights and privileges. A full vote for membership is currently stalled due to the US veto power in the Security Council.
Past Context of the Knesset Resolution: The Knesset resolution reflects a growing trend within israeli politics towards rejecting the two-state solution and expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
* Ongoing Hostage Negotiations: The status of hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas remains a critical factor influencing the broader political landscape.

This situation is rapidly evolving, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks and months. The international community’s stance on Palestinian statehood will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

August 11, 2025 0 comments