NEW YORK — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump's direct engagement could play a pivotal role in ending the Gaza crisis and advancing a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speaking at a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of the Saudi-French co-chaired high-level conference on the two-state solution in New York, Prince Faisal emphasized Washington's central role in Middle East peace efforts. "The United States is a key player when it comes to peace in the Middle East," he said. "President Trump had success in this area, and his personal involvement is of critical importance." "We have listened to his remarks on several occasions. He is a man of peace and opposes war," Prince Faisal continued. "His engagement, particularly from a personal standpoint, could help end the crisis in Gaza and pave the way for resolving the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict." He added: "We hold great respect for President Trump and trust not only his commitment to peace but also his ability to achieve it." The Saudi foreign minister also revealed ongoing dialogue with several European and Asian nations to encourage formal recognition of a Palestinian state, stating: "The majority of countries are willing to recognize the State of Palestine." During the presser, Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia's unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, stressing that the creation of an independent Palestinian state is a rightful demand, not a concession. He said the Riyadh-Paris-led conference underscores a growing international consensus that the resolution to the prolonged conflict in Palestine lies in the implementation of the two-state solution based on UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the land-for-peace principle. Prince Faisal noted that Saudi Arabia and France are determined to translate global alignment on Palestinian statehood into concrete action. "Achieving a just and comprehensive peace that ensures the sovereignty and security of all peoples in the region begins with ending the conflict and establishing the Palestinian state," he said. He also reaffirmed full Saudi support for Egyptian, Qatari, and American efforts to reactivate a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, while rejecting any attempts to isolate, occupy, or besiege the enclave.
