Israeli conflict that has been ongoing for quite some time without arriving at a solution or fair settlement, despite of the many resolutions of international legitimacy and relevant initiatives. The Arabs have chosen peace as a strategic option. They exerted all out efforts in search of a comprehensive and just settlement to this conflict. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stood for, and supported the peace process in the Middle East since its inception at the Madrid Conference of 1991. Saudi Arabia has a steadfast position of supporting all international efforts calling for a comprehensive and just solution to the conflict in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy. Foremost among Saudi efforts is the peace initiative proposed by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz that later became an Arab initiative after adoption by the Beirut Arab Summit of 2002. The initiative laid down the foundation for a comprehensive and just peace between the Arabs and Israel. The initiative assured security and stability for all states in the region by being a balanced initiative that safeguards the interests of all states without exception. However, the unreceptiveness of Israel to such efforts and good intentions, its continued intransigence and defiance of the resolutions of international legitimacy, its provocative measures and building of settlements and the Separation wall, its blockade of Gaza and aggressions against Palestinian civilians have generated a lot of despair and frustrations. Such acts obligate the Palestinians to resist and push them toward extremism because of the injustice and punishment they endure. I cannot imagine that any of us can ignore the definitive responsibility borne by the international community when it overlooks Israeli excesses and atrocities against the Palestinian people. I do not believe that there is another regional conflict with a similar degree of impact on other regional issues and international peace and security. Without a comprehensive and just resolution, the conflict will intensify frustrations and lead to the exploitation of desperate feelings among Palestinians by advocates of terrorism. This outcome will heighten dangers that impede development and modernization and weaken reform endeavors in a region that is supposed to play an importance cultural role, and not preoccupied with conflicts that squander resources and capabilities. --more
