The region has witnessed an exceptional phase in the Middle East over the past two weeks, following the agreement by both Hamas and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu to the first stage of US President Donald Trump's to end the war in the Gaza Strip. This development represents a historic turning point, paving the way for discussions on the future of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, including the establishment of their independent state.
A firm Saudi position that reinforces the principle of a Palestinian state
At this stage, the balanced diplomatic role led by MBS . From the outset, he has consistently rejected any normalization process similar to the Abraham Accords unless it includes a clear path toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state . This stance was not merely a political statement, but a strategic move that recalibrated the regional balance of power, emphasizing that a just peace cannot be achieved without justice for the Palestinian people .
Sharm El Sheikh... the beginning of a new era of peace
of Sharm el-Sheikh is expected to host a regional summit in the coming days, with the participation of US President Donald Trump and a number of Arab leaders, to discuss the outlines of a final ceasefire agreement in Gaza and lay the groundwork for what is known as "the day after." According to observers, the summit will be pivotal in formulating a comprehensive and sustainable peace that extends beyond Gaza to encompass the entire region.
Analyses indicate that the anticipated Sharm el-Sheikh agreement will not only stop the war, but will also pave the way for the return of hostages and the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the development of an international mechanism to manage the Gaza Strip and maintain security therein, with the start of reconstruction projects, in preparation for an understanding on the implementation of the two-state solution under direct American sponsorship.
Challenges facing the next stage
Despite the positive atmosphere, the "day after" issue remains one of the most complex, requiring agreement on who will govern Gaza, the international force that will be responsible for security, and the mechanisms for funding and reconstruction. Political circles also expect Netanyahu's government to place numerous obstacles in the way of implementing the agreement's provisions, particularly those related to establishing a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
However, analysts believe that the American role, supported by the Saudi leadership and its firm stance on the necessity of a just peace, will be crucial in ensuring the implementation of the agreement and overcoming the political stalling that has hampered the peace process for decades.
Saudi diplomacy: a pillar of balance in the region
These developments embody what can be described as Saudi Arabia's transformation from a regional supporter to a regional guarantor , through balanced policies that consider Arab security and promote realistic solutions that preserve regional stability. Political sources confirm that MBS has led a proactive, rather than reactive, diplomatic approach in recent years, making the Kingdom a pivotal player in shaping the future of the new Middle East, based on the principles of Vision 2030, which places stability, development, and human well-being at the heart of its objectives.
conclusion
the Sharm El-Sheikh summit approaches , the region appears to be at a historic crossroads: either a lasting peace will be established, restoring balance to the Middle East, or the vicious cycle of conflict will continue. However, current regional and international indicators , bolstered by active Saudi engagement, suggest that the era of protracted wars is drawing to a close, and that the Middle East is poised for a new phase characterized by peace, development, and political realism .
