Saudi Arabia terms Trump's Gaza 'demilitarisation deal' historic

Saudi Arabia terms Trump's Gaza 'demilitarisation deal' historic Saudi Arabia has welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of "a historic agreement on the demilitarisation" of the Gaza Strip, praising his leadership and commitment in helping secure the deal. In a statement, the kingdom's foreign ministry also thanked Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, the United States, the Peace Council and other partners for their efforts. The kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, calling for all agreed phases to be carried out within a defined timeframe. It stressed the need for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, deployment of an international stabilisation force, uninterrupted humanitarian aid and reconstruction, and the return of the Palestinian Authority to the territory. Saudi Arabia said the agreement should launch a broader political process guaranteeing Palestinian self-determination and an independent state, leading to lasting peace based on mutual recognition between Palestine and Israel. A map of Gaza is displayed at the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" hosted by Trump in Washington on 19 February 2026. (AFP)