Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Humanitarian Support for Palestinians at Gaza Conference

Saudi Arabia has reiterated its unwavering humanitarian commitment to the Palestinian people, with Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban leading the Kingdom’s delegation to the Emergency Humanitarian Response Conference in Gaza, held in the Dead Sea region of Jordan. In his address, Al-Aiban confirmed that the Kingdom’s support for Palestinians has surpassed SAR 700 million, supplemented by air and sea bridges delivering essential aid to the Gaza Strip.

Context and Background

The conference, which took place on June 11, 2024, brought together international stakeholders to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Saudi Arabia’s participation underscores its longstanding role as a leading humanitarian donor and advocate for Palestinian rights. The Kingdom has consistently supported Palestinian refugees and has been at the forefront of relief efforts during previous conflicts, maintaining a neutral stance while focusing on alleviating civilian suffering.

Dr. Al-Aiban’s remarks highlighted the gravity of the situation, describing the ongoing aggression as a catastrophe that demands collective action. He stressed that the international community must intensify efforts to halt the aggression, ensure the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and deliver sufficient and sustainable aid across all parts of the Gaza Strip. These calls are consistent with Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy principles rooted in international law and Arab consensus.

Key Details

The Saudi delegation included Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief General Supervisor Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji, and Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi. During the conference, Al-Aiban welcomed the decision by Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia to recognize the State of Palestine, a move that many international observers see as a step toward a two-state solution.

In his speech, Al-Aiban emphasized the need to return displaced persons to their homes safely and stressed the importance of accountability for violations under international humanitarian law. He also highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing partnerships with UN organizations through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), which has implemented urgent projects to address basic needs in Gaza.

Implications

The conference in Jordan is expected to yield concrete financial and operational pledges for Gaza. Saudi Arabia’s active participation reinforces its diplomatic leadership in the region, particularly in mobilizing humanitarian responses. The recognition of Palestine by several European nations signals a potential shift in international consensus, and the Kingdom’s support for such moves strengthens its position as a key broker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, exceeding $180 million, demonstrate its commitment to relieving Palestinian suffering, even as it remains a central voice in the broader political process. The delegation’s presence at the conference also underscores the Kingdom’s alignment with the Arab Peace Initiative, which calls for an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s continued humanitarian engagement reflects the principles of Vision 2030, which seeks to strengthen the Kingdom’s regional and global standing as a source of development and stability. By supporting international relief operations and advocating for peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its role as a leader in humanitarian action and effective diplomacy. The Kingdom’s commitment to the Palestinian cause is not only rooted in historical ties but also in its aspiration to foster security and prosperity throughout the region, and beyond.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the specific event that Dr. Al-Aiban attended in Jordan?

A1. Dr. Al-Aiban led Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the Emergency Humanitarian Response Conference in Gaza, held on June 11, 2024, at the Dead Sea area in Jordan. The conference aimed to coordinate international responses to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and Saudi Arabia’s participation highlighted its active role.

Q2. How much has Saudi Arabia contributed to the Palestinian relief campaign?

A2. Saudi Arabia has launched a campaign to support Palestinians with over SAR 700 million (around $186 million). This funding includes the operation of air and sea bridges to deliver essential aid, which underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to providing tangible humanitarian relief to those affected by the conflict.

Q3. What are the primary demands made by Saudi Arabia in the conference?

A3. Saudi Arabia demanded an immediate end to the Israeli aggression, a complete withdrawal of occupation forces, and the delivery of sufficient and sustainable aid to all of the Gaza Strip. It also urged safe return of displaced people and accountability for crimes under international law.

Q4. Which countries were recognized by Saudi Arabia for their recognition of Palestine?

A4. Saudi Arabia welcomed the recognition of the State of Palestine by Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia. This recognition aligns with the Kingdom’s call for a two-state solution based on international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Q5. What organizations did Saudi Arabia cooperate with to deliver urgent projects in Gaza?

A5. Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian and Relief Agency (KSrelief), signed agreements with the United Nations organizations to implement urgent projects in Gaza. These agreements are aimed at providing critical relief and addressing the immediate needs of the Palestinian population.

Q6. What is the significance of the 1967 borders in Saudi Arabia’s stance?

A6. Saudi Arabia supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This aligns with the Arab Peace Initiative and United Nations resolutions, ensuring a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict.

Q7. Who were the key members of the Saudi delegation besides Dr. Al-Aiban?

A7. The delegation included Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief General Supervisor Dr. Abdullah bin Abdullah Al-Matair, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulaziz El-Khwalad, and Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi. Together, they represented the Kingdom’s multi-sectoral approach.

Q8. What is the role of KSrelief in Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts?

A8. KSrelief is Saudi Arabia’s central humanitarian agency, coordinating relief and development projects internationally. It has implemented various projects in Gaza, ranging from food and health to shelter, as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to global stability and human welfare.

Q9. How does Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian stance align with its foreign policy?

A9. Saudi Arabia’s stance is rooted in its long-standing policy of supporting Palestinian rights and regional stability. By leading humanitarian efforts and demanding accountability, the Kingdom maintains a consistent and internationally respected position that contributes to peace and peace.

Q10. Why is the return of displaced persons a key Saudi demand?

A10. The displacement of Palestinians and their safe return is essential for both humanitarian and political stability. Saudi Arabia stresses this to prevent further uprooting of families and to lay a foundation for a sustainable solution, respecting the right of Palestinians to live in their homes.

Q11. What is the Arab Peace Initiative?

A11. The Arab Peace Initiative, originally proposed by Saudi Arabia in 2002, offers a comprehensive framework for peace, including full recognition of Israel in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories and a solution to the Palestinian refugees issue. Saudi Arabia continues to advocate for its implementation.

Q12. How is Saudi Arabia delivering aid despite the blockade in Gaza?

A12. Saudi Arabia operates air and sea bridges to ensure aid delivery, and through KSrelief and partnerships with UN agencies, it works to circumvent restrictions. These methods, combined with diplomatic pressure, aim to maintain a steady flow of supplies to the civilian population.

Q13. What does Dr. Al-Aiban’s speech highlight about accountability for the aggression?

A13. Dr. Al-Aiban called on the international community to hold Israeli occupation authorities accountable for crimes and violations under international law. He stressed that accountability is a prerequisite for justice and a decisive step in preventing future abuse.

Q14. What are the practical outcomes of Saudi aid beyond just declarations?

A14. Saudi aid includes operational air bridge flights, medicines, food, and shelter for people in Gaza. These concrete contributions come through KSrelief’s coordination with UN and regional groups, showing a direct impact on the ground.

Q15. How is Saudi Arabia’s role perceived by international partners in this conference?

A15. Saudi Arabia is perceived as a credible mediator and donor, able to mobilise resources quickly. Its presence at the conference is seen as legitimizing the humanitarian effort and strengthening the collective response from Arab and Western partners.

Q16. What is the main objective of the Emergency Humanitarian Response Conference?

A16. The objective is to coordinate an international, unprecedented humanitarian response to the catastrophic situation in Gaza. It aims to pledge urgent funding and pledges, and to establish a common approach to end the suffering and meet urgent needs.

Q17. How does this humanitarian support affect Saudi Arabia’s regional leadership?

A17. This strengthens Saudi leadership by demonstrating its ability to lead broader Arab causes and its commitment to the Palestinian people. It enhances its legitimacy and credibility in Arab League decisions and a central voice in the region.

Q18. What is the significance of Al-Aiban’s title in this context?

A18. As National Security Adviser and a Minister, Dr. Al-Aiban represents the highest level of Saudi government’s security and foreign policy coordination. His presence underscores the importance the Kingdom’s government places on this humanitarian issue, linking it to regional security.

Q19. Are there any challenges to delivering aid as Saudi Arabia sees them?

A19. Access restrictions and funding gaps remain as main challenges. But Saudi Arabia continues to press for open crossings and international monitoring to ensure aid delivery reaches its intended beneficiaries without hinderances.

Q20. How does this action align with Vision 2030’s global role for Saudi Arabia?

A20. Vision 2030 aims to make Saudi Arabia a global hub for cultural, diplomatic and humanitarian influence. By taking a proactive role in resolving conflict and delivering humanitarian aid, the Kingdom is exercising its soft power and aligning with its aspirations to be a respected international leader.

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