In a recent phone call, US President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed collaborative efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization in the United States. Both leaders expressed a commitment to broader diplomatic initiatives aimed at maintaining regional stability and preventing the conflict from spreading further, according to a statement from the White House.
The two leaders welcomed Egypt’s delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, acknowledging the urgent need for continued access to essential supplies like food, water, and medical care for civilians. They also called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas.
The conversation reaffirmed the importance of working toward sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians once the current crisis subsides. Biden and Mohammed bin Salman intend to build on the cooperation that has been underway between the United States and Saudi Arabia in recent months.
The US administration believes that the recent Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in significant loss of life, was partly motivated by an attempt to disrupt potential normalization efforts between Israel and Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Arabia welcomed the 2020 decision by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish diplomatic ties with Israel, Riyadh has not followed suit, citing the unresolved issue of Palestinian statehood as a precondition.
Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, have expressed concerns that the ongoing conflict could jeopardize their national security and are advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the siege on the strip. However, the United States has not yet supported the call for a ceasefire, with White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stating that a ceasefire at this stage would only benefit Hamas.
The conflict has had a devastating impact on the Gaza Strip, which has been under the political control of Hamas since 2007. Hamas is a designated terrorist organisation. Israeli airstrikes have resulted in a significant number of casualties. The international community emphasized the urgency for diplomatic intervention and humanitarian relief.
The phone call between Biden and Mohammed bin Salman signifies a collaborative approach to address the complex challenges posed by the Israel-Hamas conflict, with a focus on diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid, and the pursuit of long-term peace.
