Saudi Arabia has made clear to Israel and the U.S. that any movement toward normalization requires ending Hamas political control of Gaza and installing the Palestinian Authority instead, according to a senior Saudi source interviewed on Tuesday by i24NEWS (Wsj.com/i24news.tv/x.com) of which these reports originate.
Gulf Kingdom and Arab State Signal Broader Peace Talks
The Gulf Kingdom, together with interested Arab states, are signaling that simply ending war will not suffice in renewing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. A Saudi source emphasized that as long as Hamas manages Gaza Strip operations “the job isn’t finished” and normalization remains off the table – this condition transforms Saudi decision-making: War ending yes – political reform also essential I24news.tv.
Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar have been actively engaging in discussions aimed at creating a postwar Palestinian governance framework in Gaza that excludes Hamas. Their objective is to transition administrative control from Hamas back to PA (widely seen as more moderate and internationally acceptable) as an interim solution, regardless if this only means temporary relief (Sources: Reuter’s.com; I24news.tv and Axios respectively).
This strategy aligns with long-standing PA leadership goals. Fatah-Hamas reconciliation efforts – such as the 2024 Beijing Declaration – brought closer together Palestinian governance structures. However, Israel has frequently blocked Hamas reintegration into PA-aligned institutions.
Israeli Reaction and Political Constraints
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has publicly discredited any notion of an expanded PA role in Gaza, officials privately acknowledge that ousting Hamas from power would increase chances of normalization and increase chances for normalization, according to timesofisrael.com (+1) and axios.com.
Netanyahu and his parliamentary majority, heavily dominated by far-right factions, remain strongly opposed to officially recognising a Palestinian state or delegating authority to the PA.
Saudi Arabian insistence echoes Arab League sentiment, which has stated repeatedly that peace without an acceptable Palestinian partner is unacceptable, according to Reuter’s.com and X.com respectively.
U.S. mediation efforts continue: both Trump and Biden administration envoys support envisioning Gaza being administered by PA as a route towards normalization of relations.
At stake is the wider Abraham Accords framework. Saudi participation–widely seen as being key–could unlock further normalization deals between Syria and Lebanon, but Riyadh’s position puts Hamas’ governance of Gaza at the forefront of any diplomatic negotiations, offering Riyadh diplomatic leverage against Riyadh for future normalization deals with them.
Transition of Governance From Hamas to PA Transitioning governance from Hamas to PA would require disarming or ceding power by Hamas–something Israel demands–in order for any ceasefire deal. Hamas has thus far refused to disarm or cede power; reconciliation talks have historically floundered on this point, so any attempt now might face strong resistance and logistical hurdles.
As Hamas still enjoys widespread support in Gaza, any sudden shift of authority could spark unrest and require international and local buy-in. Saudi and Arab negotiators have reportedly explored an interim technocratic structure which might smooth this transition period–however its timing remains uncertain.
Saudi Arabia is clear: normalization talks cannot move forward unless Gaza’s political landscape changes, so U.S. diplomatic efforts now focus on ceasefire mechanics as well as postwar governance, hostage releases, and interim political arrangements.
As Netanyahu heads into Washington next week to meet U.S. leadership, pressure will mount. If Israel and the PA can agree on a post-Hamas roadmap that Saudi Arabia accepts, regional normalization could advance. For now though, Riyadh remains firm: no Hamas means no deal.