Riyadh, 31 August 2023 (TDI): In a significant move towards diplomatic normalization with Israel, Saudi Arabia has offered to reinstate economic aid to the Palestinian Authority.
This strategic initiative, as reported, seeks to pave the way for talks of normalization with Israel.
The revival of economic assistance underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering ties between the KSA and Israel, with a specific emphasis on gaining further legitimacy for any potential agreement.
Key officials from Saudi Arabia have affirmed their intent to encourage Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen’s support for normalization of ties with Israel, according to the report.
As per the report, a Palestinian delegation is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia next week for discussions regarding what the Saudis can offer them within the context of their interactions with Israel.
The Saudi commitment to the Palestinian cause is evidenced by their past investments, amounting to around 51 billion riyals ($13.6 billion).
This financial assistance, broken down into direct aid, support for UNRWA, and contributions from the Saudi Development Fund, reflects the longstanding solidarity between the two nations, emphasized the new Saudi Ambassador to the Palestinian Authority, Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, during an interview earlier this month.
The renewed economic aid follows a period during which Riyadh had expressed concern over corruption within the Palestinian Authority.
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The halt in aid from $174 million in 2019 to zero in 2021 was indicative of Saudi Arabia’s intention to ensure the Palestinian leadership’s accountability and commitment to stability.
Similarly this time, Saudi officials have clarified that their renewed engagement with the Palestinian Authority is not exclusively tied to the process of normalization with Israel.
Instead, it hinges on the Authority’s ability to counteract militant groups and maintain peace within its territories.
Moreover, Saudi officials have emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s support for normalization will not come at the expense of efforts to establish a sovereign Palestinian state.
