Saudi Arabia, Jordan Condemn Netanyahu’s Remarks amid Israeli Withdrawal
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Israeli military has pulled back from the Netzarim axis in Gaza, a move that comes amid international backlash over Netanyahu’s comments on Palestinian statehood.
The Israeli military has withdrawn from the Netzarim axis, allowing Palestinian civilians to re-enter the area, local reports said on Sunday. The development comes as Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks about establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory, calling them an attempt to divert attention from Israeli crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Israeli withdrawal from Netzarim was reported by Al Mayadeen, which cited its correspondent on the ground. The move follows weeks of intense fighting in the area.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry issued a sharp rebuke of Netanyahu’s comments, stating, “The purpose of these statements is to divert attention from the crimes of the occupation against the Palestinian people. No one can strip the Palestinians of their legitimate rights.” The ministry reiterated that Palestinians have a right to their land and cannot be forcibly displaced.
The situation in the occupied West Bank remains tense. Following a large-scale Israeli military operation in the town of Tammun, Israeli forces continued raids in northern areas of the territory. The Nur Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm has been encircled by Israeli troops and is under heavy assault, according to local reports.
UN Secretary General António Guterres called for continued international pressure to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of all hostages. “We must not return to more death and destruction in Gaza,” Guterres said, adding that the only viable long-term solution is the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
Jordan’s foreign ministry also rejected Netanyahu’s suggestion of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, calling it a "hostile and provocative" proposal that violates international law and UN resolutions. In a statement, the ministry said, “We strongly condemn Israel’s aggressive rhetoric regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state outside its legitimate borders.”
Jordan further urged Israel to halt its military actions in the West Bank, including settlement expansion and land confiscation, which it described as a continuation of occupation policies.
The Israeli military said it would begin extensive exercises on Sunday in the occupied West Bank, the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea region, and the Golan Heights. The drills are expected to simulate various combat scenarios amid ongoing tensions in the occupied Palestine.
