The Israel–Hamas War has posed significant political and security challenges for Saudi Arabia. Following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Saudi Arabia urged restraint from both sides, while also holding Israel responsible for the occupation of Palestinian territories.1 It expressed its concern for the protection of civilians and the deprivation of rights of the Palestinian people. Reaffirming its longstanding stance on the Palestinian issue, Saudi Arabia called for renewed international efforts towards achieving a two-state solution. This position echoes the Arab Peace Initiative proposed by Saudi Arabia in 2002, which advocates for a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.2 Throughout the war, Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel's attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as the killing and forcible displacement of civilians in Gaza. The Kingdom has also called for the safe delivery of aid to the people of Gaza, the return of all hostages and a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.

As the war intensified, Riyadh launched several political and diplomatic initiatives at the regional and global levels. Saudi Arabia called on all the Arab and Islamic countries to come together to support Palestine and condemn Israel for its war against Gaza. Riyadh played a pivotal role in mobilising the member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League and hosted meetings to address the situation in Gaza.3 The Arab and Islamic countries’ delegations have visited a number of countries around the world rallying........

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