Middle East Peace and Normalization of Relations Between Palestine and Israel: Trump's Envoy Visits Saudi Arabia

During his first term, Donald Trump introduced the Abraham Accords to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Speculation suggests a similar agreement could be forged with Saudi Arabia during his second term.

Ahead of his inauguration at the White House on January 20, President-elect Trump has sent his designated Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, to Saudi Arabia.

According to a report by Axios, Witkoff visited Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (December 11) and met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Citing two sources familiar with the meeting, the report stated that discussions covered U.S.-Saudi relations, the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, potential normalization between Riyadh and Jerusalem, and other matters.

Analysts suggest that while these agreements solidify Israel's position in the Middle East, they also effectively diminish the question of Palestinian independence.

The Gaza Strip has been ravaged by over 14 months of war, described by many as genocide. The region has been reduced to rubble, with official estimates reporting over 44,000 Palestinian deaths so far. This figure excludes countless bodies still trapped under debris and those who have died from hunger, dehydration, or lack of medical supplies due to Israel's severe blockade. The situation in Gaza is described as catastrophic.

Israel claims its military operations aim to eliminate Hamas entirely and rescue hostages held by the group.

Saudi Arabia, however, has consistently maintained that normalization with Israel cannot proceed without visible steps toward establishing a Palestinian state. Riyadh argues that regional stability in the Middle East is unattainable without acknowledging Palestine's right to self-determination.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, stated last month at the World Economic Forum that normalization is impossible without a clear path toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.

If Saudi Arabia were to backtrack on its conditions for normalization with Israel in pursuit of a defense pact with the United States, it risks damaging its reputation in the Muslim world.