RIYADH, September 22, 2025 – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed its approval of the recent recognition of the State of Palestine by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, a move announced late Sunday. This diplomatic shift aligns with a United Nations special conference on a two-state solution, scheduled to commence today in New York, ahead of the General Assembly’s high-level week.
The recognition, which underscores the commitment of these friendly nations to support the peace process and advance a two-state solution based on relevant international resolutions, follows months of diplomatic efforts led by Saudi Arabia and France. The culmination of these efforts is the widely supported New York declaration, which outlines a framework for Gaza’s post-war future.
However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who labeled it a reward for the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The United States has echoed similar concerns, adding to the tension surrounding the initiative. Despite this, more than 140 UN member states already recognize Palestine, and the latest endorsements from Western allies signal growing international pressure on Israel amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza.
In a related development, the conference follows a Saudi proposal, recently approved by the World Bank, to transfer $300 million to Gaza and the West Bank to address the region’s escalating humanitarian crisis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia hailed the recognitions as a significant step forward, emphasizing the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to live in peace, security, and prosperity.