Saudi Arabia is making it clear that any potential normalization agreement with Israel hinges on the complete removal of Hamas from power in Gaza, according to a report from i24NEWS. A source with direct ties to the Saudi royal court conveyed this position to Middle East correspondent Ariel Oseran.
“Without removing Hamas, there will be no peace,” the source emphasized, underscoring Riyadh’s firm stance that Hamas must be dismantled entirely before any diplomatic breakthrough with the Jewish State can occur.
The report adds that Saudi Arabia envisions the Palestinian Authority, under the leadership of Mahmoud Abbas, taking over governance in Gaza once Hamas is ousted. This transition is seen as a necessary step for the region’s future stability and for progress toward formal ties with Israel.
This marks the first public indication that halting military operations before Hamas is fully defeated could undermine broader regional diplomacy—particularly efforts by the Trump administration to broaden the Abraham Accords and secure new normalization deals with additional Arab and Muslim countries.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump commented on Tuesday that a ceasefire agreement might be achievable as early as next week. He also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that every remaining Israeli hostage is brought home safely.
Trump added that he plans to be “very firm” with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about bringing the conflict in Gaza to a close when they meet in Washington next week.
{Matzav.com}