Saudi Foreign Minister Crown Prince Faisal bin Farhan is set to travel to Ramallah in the West Bank this weekend, in what would mark the highest-level Saudi visit to the territory since 1967, according to international reports released Friday.
The visit, which includes a ministerial delegation, will feature a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Diplomats from Egypt and Jordan are expected to join the Saudi delegation.
The trip comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman continues his push for international recognition of a Palestinian state, while talks around possible Saudi-Israeli normalization remain ongoing. Israeli authorities have been informed of the planned visit, though Israeli outlet Walla reported Friday night—citing senior political officials—that Israel intends to block the Arab foreign ministers’ delegation from entering.
The visit also follows recent reports that Saudi Arabia is working with France on a proposal to disarm Hamas, potentially paving the way for the group’s demobilization. Saudi officials have reportedly been in contact with Hamas leadership, although it remains unclear whether France has also engaged directly.
