Saudi Arabia is spearheading a new initiative aimed at disarming the Palestinian resistance in exchange for negotiations on a “gradual pathway” toward establishing a demilitarised Palestinian state.
This Saudi proposal forms part of a wider regional and international diplomatic push to secure a comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian–Israeli conflict, framed through the gateway of normalisation with Tel Aviv.
The “New York Declaration”: A Step Toward a Two-State Solution
A document titled the New York Declaration—signed by all members of the Arab League—sets a timetable and a phased approach for achieving a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
The agreement offers Palestine political and economic independence within the framework of a demilitarised state, raising serious questions over whether resistance factions, foremost among them Hamas, would ever accept such conditions.
The declaration goes beyond the standard call for a state on the 1967 borders. It lays out a “gradual process” to ensure the removal of arms from Palestinian factions as a prerequisite for “comprehensive peace” in the region.
It also includes clauses condemning Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, while acknowledging the siege and famine afflicting the Strip’s population.
Saudi Arabia’s Role: Disarmament First, Then Normalisation
While reaffirming its longstanding official support for the Palestinian cause, Riyadh is leading a process that seeks to advance regional peace—but at the cost of weakening the armed capacity of Palestinian factions.
The plan centres on disarming Hamas and other armed movements resisting Israeli occupation—an approach likely to face strong rejection from Palestinian groups that see these forces as the core of the armed struggle.
Saudi Arabia’s effort is not limited to advocating disarmament; it promotes the idea of “gradual peace,” in which Palestinian territory would be restored in stages, under a form of international oversight to ensure compliance with the terms.
Releasing Israeli Prisoners
One of the most prominent elements in the New York Declaration is the call for the release of remaining Israeli prisoners held in Palestinian territories—a provision that could shift the dynamics of negotiations.
Analysts question how such a demand might influence the stance of resistance groups like Hamas, which maintain that negotiations must be driven by fundamental Palestinian demands, such as ending the occupation and lifting the siege.
For Saudi Arabia, releasing Israeli captives is a key gesture to demonstrate Palestinian goodwill toward Israel and the international community—potentially laying common ground after years of military escalation and entrenched conflict.
Palestinian and Arab Reactions: Conditional Support or Rejection?
Palestinian responses to the New York Declaration range from cautious support to outright opposition.
- Some Palestinians may view it as an opportunity to recover land and establish a state.
- Resistance factions reject any agreement that includes disarmament or relinquishing the right to resist.
Hamas, for example, considers disarmament an implicit recognition of the occupier’s legitimacy. Many within the movement believe the Saudi initiative will encounter fierce resistance from their ranks, as it contradicts the very principles of the armed struggle.
Some Arab officials, however, welcome the Saudi effort as a step toward regional stability and an end to the conflict, while stressing that any deal must emerge from comprehensive talks binding on all parties, including Israel.
Israel’s Position: Security Above All
From Israel’s perspective, the New York Declaration could be promising. Israeli analysts see it as a step toward reducing Palestinian military threats and creating a new security environment. However, Tel Aviv’s position may shift depending on developments on the ground, especially in light of the recent events in Gaza.
Israel will seek to ensure lasting border security and prevent any resurgence of armed resistance. Official statements suggest Israel would strongly oppose any settlement that allows Hamas to share power within the Palestinian Authority or grants legitimacy to other factions it considers hostile.
A Difficult Road to “Peace”
The central question is whether Saudi Arabia can persuade all parties to accept the New York Declaration, with its stringent conditions, chief among them, disarming the resistance and releasing Israeli captives.
The road to any settlement in Palestine remains long and complex. While Riyadh pursues its regional and international interests, the Palestinian people and their resistance movements remain decisive actors in determining the outcome.
Ultimately, any agreement will hinge on balancing the Palestinian aspiration for a sovereign state with Israel’s security demands, and on the Kingdom’s ability to shape a regional framework that satisfies both.
