The White House Watch Newsletter
In recent developments, Israel has restricted several Arab foreign ministers from entering the occupied West Bank, describing the move as a provocation aimed at advancing the establishment of a Palestinian state. This decision was made before a scheduled visit to Ramallah by a high-level delegation, which included Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud.
This would have marked the first official visit by a senior Saudi official to the territory seized by Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Successive U.S. administrations have attempted to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
The delegation also included foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, all of whom maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. International pressure on Israel has increased recently, primarily due to its renewed offensive in Gaza and the severe humanitarian conditions there.
On Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas communicated to international mediators its response to the latest ceasefire proposal from Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East. Hamas expressed willingness to release 10 Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 others, detained during its attack on October 7, 2023, which initiated the Gaza conflict. This release would be in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Hamas emphasized that its objective is to secure a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to the Palestinian people. A diplomat informed that while Hamas responded positively, they still seek clarifications on certain points.
Witkoff’s proposal suggested a 60-day fighting pause, the release of approximately half of the 58 Israeli hostages still held, and “good faith negotiations” towards a permanent cessation of hostilities. The Trump administration has indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted these terms, although he has consistently rejected halting the fighting until Hamas is completely defeated.
Also on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces announced that Hamas’s military chief, Mohammed Sinwar, and several senior commanders were killed in a May 13 airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Sinwar had assumed overall command of Hamas’s forces following the deaths of most of its top leaders, including his brother, Yahya.
An Israeli official commented on denying the Arab delegation’s entry, suggesting that the Palestinian Authority intended to organize a provocative meeting of foreign ministers from Arab countries to discuss the promotion of a Palestinian state, which was described as potentially becoming a “terrorist state” within Israel.
The official added that Israel would not cooperate with actions perceived as detrimental to its security. The international community largely views the West Bank, alongside East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, as the foundation of a future Palestinian state. France and Saudi Arabia are expected to host a summit in New York addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with several Western governments considering recognizing a Palestinian state.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry criticized the denial of entry, labeling it a violation of Israel’s obligations as the occupying power in the West Bank. The ministry claimed it reflected Israel’s disregard for international law and its continual illegitimate policies. The delegation’s visit, planned from Amman via helicopter, was postponed after Israel refused access to its controlled airspace.
The Palestinian ambassador in Riyadh informed Saudi state news that the uncommon visit aimed to garner support for a two-state solution ahead of the upcoming conference in New York.
On Thursday, the Israeli government announced the establishment of 22 new settlements across the West Bank, marking the largest expansion in years. Many governments consider this settlement expansion illegal. Israeli ministers described it as a “decisive response” to Palestinian militancy and a strategic measure to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.
Approximately 500,000 Jewish Israelis have settled in the West Bank over the past five decades. About 3 million Palestinians currently reside in the territory under Israeli military rule and partial autonomy managed by the Palestinian Authority.
Reported with additional insights from Ahmed Al Omran in Jeddah and Andrew England in London.
