- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

In Saudi Footsteps? Qatari Ex-PM Admits Israelis' Right to 'Live in Their Land'

© AP Photo / Jacquelyn MartinIn this Tuesday, March 5, 2013 file photo, former Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani speaks during a news conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry, at Wajbah Palace, in Doha, Qatar.
In this Tuesday, March 5, 2013 file photo, former Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani speaks during a news conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry, at Wajbah Palace, in Doha, Qatar. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The Qatari politician has echoed recent calls by two high-ranking Saudi Arabian officials to support Palestine and Israel's right to exist.

Writing on his Twitter page in Arabic, former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani specifically focused on the future of Israelis and Palestinians.

"Israelis have a right to live in their land in peace and safety, this is my conviction. I've had this conviction for many long years, and I still do," he noted.

He also pointed out that "we are timid in mentioning that the Palestinians have their rights as well."

The remarks came after Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told the Atlantic, "The Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land" and that a peace agreement is needed "to assure the stability for everyone and to have normal relations."

READ MORE: Saudi Arabia Poised to Be Part of Israel-Palestine Talks — Analyst

In a separate interview with Time magazine, Bin Salman signaled Saudi Arabia's readiness to support a peace solution pertaining to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

"And when it happens… we'll have good and normal relations with Israel and it will be the best for everyone," he stressed.

He was echoed by Saudi King Salman who reiterated "the kingdom's steadfast position toward the Palestinian issue and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital," according to Saudi Arabia's state news agency SPA.

READ MORE: Palestine Ready to Exchange Minor Territories With Israel — Abbas

Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani's remarks came amid Saudia Arabia's ongoing crisis with Qatar. In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs. The four Arab states then handed over an ultimatum containing 13 demands to Doha, but Qatar efused to comply with them.

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) strives to establish a state on the territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, partly controlled by Israel.

READ MORE: Palestine Doubtful About US Future Mideast Peace Plan Likely Favoring Israel

A man walks on the corniche in Doha, Qatar, June 15, 2017 - Sputnik International
Saudi Arabia Puts Gulf Crisis Talks on Hold, Demands Clarity from Qatar
Tel Aviv does not recognize Palestine as an independent political and diplomatic entity and continues constructing settlements in occupied areas, in the face of UN objections.

In 2003, the Middle East Quartet, comprising the United Nations, the European Union, Russia and the United States, proposed a road map to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The focus has been placed on a two-state solution stipulating the creation of an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, west of the Jordan River.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала