Arab and Islamic states voiced unity in opposing a split between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank within any plan for a single Palestinian state. This stance was reported by RIA News, which cited the outcomes of the Arab-Islamic summit convened in Riyadh and the collective message delivered there. The broad consensus stressed that separation would undermine long-term peace and stability and that a durable solution must treat the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as interconnected entities within a common political framework.
The summit’s document called for rejecting any proposal that would divide the Palestinian territories, specifically name-checking the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. It asserted that a viable and lasting future for Gaza should be inseparable from a comprehensive resolution that also secures the unity of the West Bank and Gaza under a single political configuration. The statement underscored that such unity should culminate in a state whose capital is East Jerusalem, and that this configuration lies within the borders that existed before the 1967 conflict. In effect, the summit reiterated a call for a political settlement that recognizes historic, demographic, and security realities while seeking a two-entity or single-state construct that reflects the needs and aspirations of Palestinians as a whole.
Arab nations stressed that any path toward peace must begin with a clear end to the occupation of all territories captured in 1967. They asserted that peace cannot be achieved while settlements expand, and while fundamental Palestinian rights remain unfulfilled. Their position linked security and regional stability to the restoration of Palestinian sovereignty over those lands and to the recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, including the establishment of a sovereign state that can live side by side with neighboring states in peace. This framework places a premium on practical steps, mutual recognition, and international support that can translate into a durable political process rather than a series of parallel negotiations without a shared destination.
The dialogue acknowledged by participants in Riyadh pointed to a broader regional dynamic. It suggested that the Western and regional powers would need to align with a principled approach that fosters trust, reduces violence, and permits a credible path toward statehood for Palestinians. Some speakers noted that historical grievances, security concerns, and humanitarian needs must be addressed in tandem. They argued that a lasting peace would require not only a formal treaty but also confidence-building measures, economic cooperation, and the gradual normalization of relations that reflect mutual interest and shared regional security. The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining unity within the Palestinian leadership when negotiating with Israel, ensuring that any future agreement commands legitimacy across different factions and communities. The overarching message was that peace is inseparable from justice, and justice requires a clear framework for Palestinian sovereignty that respects the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as a capital component in a negotiated settlement that is acceptable to all parties involved.