In a groundbreaking announcement that has caught global leaders by surprise, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), has made an audacious call for the establishment of a Palestinian State along the defining 1967 borders. This move, aired during his address to the joint summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is sure to send shockwaves through the diplomatic corridors around the world.

The Rising Tensions and MBS’s Stance

Speaking on the backdrop of the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, MBS couldn’t hide his anguish. He stated, “It pains us at the time of our meeting what Gaza is witnessing today, from escalating violence that is being paid for by innocent civilians.” The Crown Prince firmly rejected the targeting of civilians and emphasized the strict adherence to international humanitarian laws. He highlighted the urgent need to cease “military operations against civilians and infrastructure that affects their daily lives”.

The Call for Stability and Lasting Peace

In a move that’s bound to stir discussions at international diplomatic tables, MBS expressed, “The conditions must be created for the return of stability and the achievement of lasting peace that will ensure a just solution to establish a Palestinian state within 1967 borders in order to achieve security and prosperity for all.”

A Glimpse into the Past

It’s worth noting that back in 2017, a policy document from Hamas hinted at the acceptance of a Palestinian state within territories occupied by Israel during the six-day war of 1967. This suggested shift in stance, however, has repeatedly been shot down by Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly maintained that Israel would never retreat to its 1967 boundaries.

Palestinian State Based on 1967 Borders – An Elaboration

The idea of a Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders stems from the territories that were occupied by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967. These territories include the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Over the years, the 1967 borders have been a focal point of peace negotiations, with many international entities advocating for a two-state solution based on these borders. However, reaching a consensus between Israel and Palestine on this matter has remained a significant challenge.

  1967 borders, ASEAN, Benjamin Netanyahu, GCC, Israel, Israel-Hamas war, MBS, Mohammed bin Salman, Palestinian State, Saudi Arabia