Introduction
The longstanding debate on Saudi Arabia's stance towards aiding Palestine has been fueled by a variety of articles and opinions. Critics often question why Saudi Arabia does not stand up to Israel and actively help Palestine. However, the reality is often more nuanced and multifaceted. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed look at Saudi Arabia's support for Palestine through financial contributions, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic efforts. Contrary to common misconceptions, Saudi Arabia has consistently contributed to Palestine's welfare, both in terms of direct financial aid and through international advocacy.
The Reality behind Arab Support
It is a common misconception that Saudi Arabia is either indifferent or actively opposed to the plight of the Palestinian people. On the contrary, Saudi Arabia has historically been a significant donor to the Palestinian cause. The Jihad Tax, a philanthropic tax that Saudi citizens can contribute towards humanitarian causes, has been a key mechanism for financial support to Palestine. This contribution has been crucial in various initiatives aimed at supporting the Palestinian people and their rights.
Financial Contributions
In a report published by the Saudi Gazette, it was revealed that since 1999, Saudi Arabia has contributed over 5.2 billion SAR to Palestine. This funding includes support for the Palestinian Authority's budget and direct aid to sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, food, agriculture, security, the Palestinian government, civil society, water, and environmental reforms. In 2020, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) launched a campaign to aid Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, collecting over 600 million SAR from over 350,000 donors.
Humanitarian Aid and Support
Saudi Arabia's commitment extends beyond financial contributions. The Kingdom has demonstrated its support through various humanitarian initiatives. For instance, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia pledged 2.66 million SAR to help the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip combat the virus. Additionally, between 2000 and 2020, Saudi Arabia provided over 6.5 billion SAR in aid to Palestine.
International Advocacy and Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia also plays a vital role in advocating for the Palestinian cause on the international stage. The Saudi ambassador to Jordan, Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia's support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is also significant, with the Kingdom contributing nearly 1 billion USD to the agency in the past decade alone.
Diplomatic Efforts and International Conventions
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has consistently supported international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, calling for a two-state solution and peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As announced by Dr. Khaled Manzlawiy, Saudi Arabia’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, the Kingdom is proud to be one of the largest donors to UNRWA, underlining its ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes in Palestine.
The Role of Propaganda and Misconceptions
Despite these contributions, misconceptions and propaganda often overshadow the reality of Saudi Arabia's support for Palestine. Critics often assume that Saudi Arabia only supports its own interests or aligns more with Israel. However, this line of thinking is misguided. The Kingdom believes in the importance of advocating for Palestinian rights and supporting their national aspirations.
The lack of vocal condemnation from Saudi Arabia towards Israel, in comparison to other Arab states, does not necessarily imply a lack of support. It is likely a strategic decision to maintain diplomatic relations and contribute to the broader goals of peace and stability in the region.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia's support for Palestine is multifaceted and deeply rooted in its humanitarian and diplomatic efforts. The financial contributions, humanitarian aid, and international advocacy demonstrate a commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their rights. Contrary to popular misconceptions, Saudi Arabia stands as one of the largest contributors to UNRWA and has consistently provided financial and logistical support. As the region continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize the nuanced and supportive nature of Saudi Arabia's involvement in the Palestinian cause.