New York: Saudi Arabia is spearheading an international movement to gain recognition for Palestinian statehood, raising questions about the driving forces behind its actions. Are these efforts driven by humanitarian motives or self-serving foreign policy objectives?
According to Deutsche Welle, admirers have labeled this initiative as a "masterclass in diplomacy," suggesting it could pave the way for peace in the Middle East. However, critics argue that it is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the country's international image, which is often marred by human rights concerns.
The initiative's highlight was the signing of the "New York Declaration," a seven-page document endorsed by all Arab League members, the EU, and approximately 17 other countries. This declaration outlines a phased approach to achieving a two-state solution, calling on Hamas to disarm, release Israeli hostages, and relinquish control in Gaza. The declaration also condemns Israeli attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Gaza, which have precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis.
The unified stance of all 22 Arab League members in the declaration represents a significant diplomatic achievement. Notably, this is the first instance where many have publicly denounced Hamas. Saudi Arabia, alongside France, has been recognized for facilitating this consensus.
Kristian Coates Ulrichsen from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy emphasized the significance of Saudi Arabia's involvement, given its influential position within the Arab and Islamic world and its custodianship of Mecca and Medina.
The timing of Saudi Arabia's initiative is noteworthy. Before the October 2023 Hamas attacks and subsequent Israeli military response, there was discussion about Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel, potentially bypassing Palestinian statehood—a longstanding barrier to Israeli-Arab relations. Consequently, Saudi Arabia faced criticism from other Arab nations, who viewed it as betraying the Palestinian cause. This criticism has led some to perceive Saudi Arabia's actions at the UN as an attempt to counteract this negative perception.
As noted by Aziz Alghashian from the Gulf International Forum, Saudi Arabia's willingness to consider normalizing ties with Israel is not new, tracing back to the late 1960s. The kingdom's advocacy for a two-state solution also has historical roots, including the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative proposed by then-Crown Prince Abdullah. Despite setbacks, including disagreements over Palestinian land rights and geopolitical shifts like the Arab Spring and the Abraham Accords, the initiative remained Saudi Arabia's default position until reaffirmed in 2020.
Ulrichsen suggests that the current urgency in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank have prompted Saudi Arabia to speak out against the destruction and humanitarian suffering. The "New York Declaration" is perceived as a revival of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
Experts highlight that Saudi Arabia's leadership in this initiative also serves its interests, including regional stability, essential for diversifying its oil-dependent economy. As the Arab-language outlet Raseef22 opined, Saudi Arabia's diplomacy enhances its international influence and strengthens its position in energy and maritime security negotiations.
While it is uncertain if the Saudi-French initiative will succeed, Coates Ulrichsen notes that the UK and Canada's conditional recognition of Palestine suggests progress. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has urged more UN member states to support the "New York Declaration" ahead of the next UN General Assembly.
Faisal J. Abbas, editor-in-chief of Arab News, argues that the initiative aligns with American strategic interests, potentially stabilizing the region and reducing US military involvement. However, the initiative faces opposition from Israel and the US, both of which have criticized it, with Israel's ambassador to the UN dismissing it as disconnected from reality.