INTERVIEW: Saudi Arabia Emerges as Key Force for Regional Stability, Global Recognition of Palestinian State, Says Akila Dbichi
After two years of a devastating war in Gaza, mediators have recently reached a long-awaited ceasefire to halt the unthinkable humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.
Brokered by the United States, Gaza ceasefire deal marks a turning point in the Middle East’s modern history.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Akila Dbichi, Director of the French Center for Strategic Studies and Political Analysis (CSIS), shared her insights regarding the recent ceasefire in Gaza, Israel’s current security priorities, Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic role, as well as the war in Ukraine.
After more than 700 days, a ceasefire has been reached in Gaza through Egyptian and Arab mediation. What is your opinion on this agreement?
Akila Dbichi: Gaza ceasefire deal marks a significant breakthrough in the global efforts to end the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and remarkable victory for Egyptian and broader Arab diplomacy in pushing for a long-term ceasefire.
There is hope that this agreement will put an end to the Palestinian suffering as the war in Gaza represents the most severe crisis that shakes the stability of the region.
Following the ceasefire in Gaza, do you think Israel might open another front of conflict — for example, against Iran?
Akila Dbichi: It’s not unlikely. However, Israel will likely prefer, for now, to prioritize stability and recalibrate its security strategy.
After Gaza War that lasted for two years, Israel was economically and politically drained, without achieving its stated objectives, and facing increasing pressure from both European and Arab countries.
That is why ending the conflict features several gains on multiple fronts — most importantly, halting the ongoing bloodshed among Palestinians and restoring regional stability.
Saudi Arabia has played a role in facilitating the ceasefire in Gaza. How do you assess the Kingdom’s regional role in recent times, particularly regarding various issues?
Akila Dbichi: Saudi Arabia has played an effective and balanced role, as the Kingdom has been consistently supporting regional stability and favoring diplomacy over military confrontation.
In cooperation with France, the Kingdom has intensified its efforts in galvanizing international momentum toward the recognition of a Palestinian State as a necessary step for the two-state solution.
French President Emmanuel Macron is currently facing a political storm in France due to the failure to form a government. Could this political chaos threaten his position?
Akila Dbichi: The current government crisis may undermine Macron‘s domestic influence and weaken his ability to implement his policy agenda, although he still maintains his constitutional authority. Nevertheless, the internal crisis has not affected Macron’s foreign policy of recognizing the Palestinian state and mobilizing international support to achieve this goal in cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
Similar to the ceasefire in Gaza, do you think the war in Ukraine might also come to an end after four years of conflict?
Akila Dbichi: The possibility cannot be ruled out; however, the situation in Ukraine is more politically and militarily complex.
The war in Ukraine is a conflict between two major powers and not a conventional war or occupation.
This war involves Europe as a key player, working closely with the United States, to defeat Russia’s influence and capabilities.
Therefore, achieving lasting peace may require a comprehensive international settlement.
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