Saudi Arabia Sends Fourth Relief Plane to Gaza
Saudi Arabia has sent the fourth relief Plane to those affected in the Gaza Strip. This plane carries various relief assistance, including food and shelter materials weighing 35 tons.
This work is part of a popular campaign to help the Palestinian people in Gaza, directed by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Saudi Arabia’s Humanitarian Campaign
Saudi Arabia launched a government-led humanitarian aid campaign for Gaza, collecting over 60,000 donations worth more than $17 million in the initial hours.
This campaign was a response to the dire conditions in Gaza, exacerbated by the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
King Salman initiated the campaign with an $8 million donation, followed by a $5.3 million contribution from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Despite the strong public support for the Palestinian cause in Saudi Arabia, the government’s response to the conflict has been somewhat ambivalent.
This is partly due to the complexities of the regional political landscape, including discussions between the Saudi leadership and the Biden administration regarding potential diplomatic relations with Israel.
Saudi Stance on Hamas
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not formally labeled Hamas, the governing entity in Gaza, as a terrorist organization.
However, actions by Saudi authorities, such as the detention and prosecution of Palestinians connected to Hamas in 2019, suggest an implicit classification of Hamas as a terrorist group.
This stance is likely influenced by the Kingdom’s designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization in 2014.
Consequently, the government’s strict controls on charitable giving, initially, made it difficult for Saudis to send aid directly to Gazans.
Humanitarian Relief Campaign
The Saudi relief campaign, organized through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, has been a monumental effort reflecting the Kingdom’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people.
This campaign has gathered significant support, both domestically and internationally, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s historic role in aiding Palestinians during various crises.
The Kingdom has consistently been at the forefront of providing aid and has partnered with numerous organizations, including the United Nations, to support many projects in Palestine.
Regional Responses:UAE’s Involvement
In contrast to Saudi Arabia’s response, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched its humanitarian relief campaign for Gaza shortly after the initiation of the Israeli siege of the enclave.
This response included a notable volunteer effort to assemble aid packages for Gazans.
Additionally, the Emirati ruler ordered medical treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children from Gaza, to be provided at Emirati hospitals, showcasing a strong display of support for the Palestinian cause .
The Saudi humanitarian aid campaign for Gaza represents a significant effort to support the Palestinian people amidst a challenging and complex regional political environment.
The Kingdom’s substantial humanitarian aid endeavors underscore its commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
This, combined with regional efforts like those of the UAE, illustrates a broader regional commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Suspension of Normalization Efforts
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended its efforts to normalize relations with Israel. This decision seems to be influenced by the ongoing conflict in the region.
The Saudi government, represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, has reiterated its stance that full normalization with Israel can only occur after a peace agreement is reached with the Palestinians. This position underscores the importance the Saudi government places on resolving the Palestinian issue as a prerequisite for normalization with Israel.
Israeli Acknowledgment of Diplomatic Challenges
On the other side, the Israeli Foreign Minister acknowledged that establishing full diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia would be a lengthy and slow process.
This acknowledgment indicates an understanding of the complexities involved in such diplomatic efforts, especially considering the historical and political sensitivities in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s Position, Regional Impact
In summary, the suspension of normalization talks by Saudi Arabia highlights the country’s firm position on resolving the Palestinian issue before moving forward with any normalization of relations with Israel.
This development reflects the intricate balance of diplomatic, political, and societal factors that influence Middle East relations.
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