Saudi minister says Gaza ceasefire must lead to two-state solution

The ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip should catalyze meaningful progress toward Palestinian statehood within a two-state framework, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan asserted Saturday during the Munich Security Conference. The kingdom's top diplomat reaffirmed Riyadh's steadfast support for initiatives aimed at resolving the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian war, framing Saudi engagement as a necessary pursuit of peace.

Speaking to the assembled international audience, bin Farhan addressed the Gaza Peace Board established under the ceasefire's second phase, along with its accompanying 20-point framework. He stressed that these mechanisms must first ensure a definitive end to hostilities before transitioning to support the Palestinian people's legitimate right to self-determination. The minister characterized the current truce as an opportunity not merely to halt fighting but to restore stability, rebuild devastated areas, and take concrete steps toward statehood.

Syria's Transitional Path

Turning attention to Syria, the Saudi foreign minister offered assessment of the country's post-civil war trajectory, noting that Damascus is pursuing a constructive approach toward minority communities and ethnic groups during its difficult transitional period. Bin Farhan emphasized that reconstruction efforts must ultimately be led by Syrians themselves, with regional and international actors assuming supporting rather than directing roles.

The minister also addressed ongoing discussions with the SDF, describing negotiations as progressing in a manner that respects Kurdish rights. He expressed confidence that continued progress by the Syrian government would yield broader gains for all communities navigating the complex post-war landscape.

Regional Dynamics

Bin Farhan used his platform to address broader regional instability, observing that war tend to reinforce one another across borders. He cited the Sudan conflict as an example where violence has spilled over to fuel tensions in neighboring areas, underscoring the necessity of addressing root causes rather than symptoms while promoting coexistence among diverse populations.

The Saudi minister urged regional actors to transcend narrow calculations that perpetuate unrest, arguing that recent developments, particularly in Syria, demonstrate the viability of a more stable path forward. He suggested that ending hostilities in Sudan between the army and Rapid Support Forces could generate hope throughout the wider region, serving as proof that peace remains achievable even in protracted conflicts.