Trump–MBS Meeting: Palestine Absent from the Agenda
This week, former U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in a high-profile White House meeting, highlighting renewed Middle East diplomacy—yet the Palestinian crisis was glaringly overlooked. The lack of discussion on Palestinian rights reinforces a troubling trend: strategic and economic interests continue to overshadow humanitarian concerns in U.S.-Saudi relations.
A Transactional Alliance Takes Center Stage
Trump and MBS have long prioritized mutual gains—arms deals, oil stability, and countering Iran—over human rights. This meeting was no exception, with talks reportedly focused on Saudi investments and regional security. Meanwhile, Israel’s escalating military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, along with the worsening humanitarian crisis, were ignored.
Saudi Arabia’s historical support for Palestinian statehood makes this omission striking. Riyadh’s gradual shift toward normalization with Israel under the Trump-brokered Abraham Accords has weakened Arab solidarity. Critics argue that Palestinian self-determination is being sacrificed for political expediency.
The Steady Erosion of Palestinian Rights
Under Trump’s presidency, the U.S. unilaterally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, relocated its embassy, and enabled unchecked West Bank settlement expansion—all with little pushback from Saudi Arabia. The Biden administration’s tepid efforts to revive peace talks have done little to reverse these policies.
With Trump eyeing a 2024 return, his alignment with MBS signals continued neglect of Palestinian rights. The message is clear: Palestine remains low-priority in U.S.-Saudi dealings.
Regional Fallout: Israel Emboldened, Palestinians Isolated
The lack of unified Arab opposition has empowered Israel’s far-right government to intensify raids in Jenin, Ramallah, and Gaza. Palestinians face mounting hardships—blockades, economic collapse, and political fragmentation—with dwindling international attention.
Saudi Arabia’s silence also risks backlash at home and abroad. While MBS pursues Vision 2030 reforms, his indifference toward Palestine could alienate citizens and Muslim-majority nations that still view the cause as a moral imperative.
Could Saudi Arabia Revive Peace Efforts?
Some analysts suggest Riyadh could still leverage its influence to demand Israeli concessions—such as halting settlements or easing Gaza’s blockade—in exchange for normalization. However, with Trump and MBS focused on mutual gains, such prospects seem distant.
Conclusion: Palestine’s Fading Voice
As Trump and MBS prioritize power and profit, Palestinian suffering becomes an afterthought. Without meaningful intervention from global or regional leaders, the cycle of displacement and despair will persist. For Palestinians, this meeting is another stark reminder: their plight remains invisible in corridors of power.
