US President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently had a crucial discussion regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to the White House, the leaders talked about diplomatic and military efforts to deter state and non-state actors from further escalating the conflict. They expressed their commitment to broader diplomatic endeavors aimed at maintaining stability in the region and preventing the conflict from spreading.
One of the primary focuses of the conversation was the need for sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians once the crisis subsides. Both leaders acknowledged the progress made in recent months between Saudi Arabia and the United States in this regard and emphasized the importance of building upon this work. They also highlighted the significance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, urging for their immediate liberation.
Recognizing the urgent humanitarian needs in the region, Biden and Mohammed bin Salman welcomed the delivery of aid from Egypt to Gaza. They stressed that additional assistance is necessary to ensure sustained access to essentials such as food, water, and medical aid for civilians affected by the conflict.
The recent attack by Hamas on Israel prompted discussions about its potential connection to the normalization efforts and increased diplomacy between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Biden alluded to this during a campaign fundraiser, suggesting that Hamas moved against Israel because of the impending meeting between the US and Saudi leaders. He mentioned that the Saudis were interested in recognizing Israel, which might have been a motivating factor for Hamas’s actions.
The conversation between the crown prince and Biden also covered the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the importance of avoiding the targeting of civilians, infrastructure, vital interests, forced displacement, or any actions that negatively impact daily lives. He urged the resumption of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, a sentiment appreciated by Biden who expressed gratitude for the crown prince’s efforts to prevent regional escalation.
It is important to note that the Abraham Accords, mediated by the United States under former President Donald Trump’s administration in 2020, established agreements between the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Israel. These accords aimed to normalize relations between the Arab Gulf states and Israel.
In summary, President Biden and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engaged in a significant conversation about the Israel-Hamas conflict. They emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to deter further escalation, the importance of sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and the urgency of providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. This discussion highlighted the potential impact of recent diplomatic developments in the region and emphasized the desire for a ceasefire and resumption of the peace process.
