John Duke Antony’s Vision and Leadership:
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal recognizes the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of Dr. John Duke Antony in establishing and guiding the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations for four decades. His remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the world, fostering understanding, knowledge, and constructive dialogue between the United States and its Arab partners.

HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal’s Humility and Acknowledgment of Collective Achievements:
Despite his significant achievements, HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal emphasizes humility and acknowledges the contributions of others, recognizing true success as a collective effort. He highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of others and the power of teamwork in achieving meaningful progress.

The Enduring Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal expresses concern over the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has persisted for decades without significant progress or resolution. He emphasizes the need to break free from repetitive debates and diatribes that have failed to yield positive outcomes.

The Human Cost of the Conflict:
The conflict has resulted in numerous wars and countless lives lost, yet no substantial changes have been made. Cycles of violence, negotiations, and temporary ceasefires have failed to address the underlying issues and grievances, leading to continued suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The Core Issue: Israel’s Occupation of Palestinian Land:
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal identifies Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land as the core issue perpetuating the conflict. The occupation is unlawful and has led to decades of colonization, human rights abuses, destruction, displacement, and abject poverty for the Palestinian people.

The Gaza Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis:
The Israeli blockade of Gaza has caused immense suffering, with limited access to basic necessities like clean water, electricity, and healthcare. The people of Gaza have essentially been trapped in a concentration camp, facing widespread poverty, starvation, and high unemployment.

Water Crisis and Destruction of Infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank:
Israeli security forces have damaged or destroyed hundreds of water wells in Gaza, leading to water quality issues and limited access to clean water. In the West Bank, Palestinians face restrictions on essential services, home demolitions, and harassment of students, impeding their access to education.

Israeli Oppression and Domination of Palestinians:
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal highlights the oppressive and dominating practices imposed by Israel on Palestinians, including illegal military practices and segregation. This oppression creates a system of apartheid, leading to hopelessness, despair, and humiliation, contributing to the ongoing cycle of violence.

Israeli Aggression in Palestinian Territories:
Israel’s military incursions, excessive force, and collective punishment have resulted in numerous casualties, including innocent civilians, women, and children. The ongoing violence has claimed the lives of over 11,000 Palestinians since October 7th, including 450 in May-July 2021. The unlawful construction of Israeli colonies in the occupied territories further exacerbates the situation.

Palestinian Suffering and Desire for Peace:
Palestinians endure poverty, displacement, and the constant sight of their former homes occupied by Israelis. Despite the bleak reality, there is a persistent desire for peace, reconciliation, understanding, and coexistence. These efforts for reconciliation often go unnoticed amid the conflict, but they represent hope for a different future.

Call for International Action and American Leadership:
The international community must take decisive action to bring all parties together for a fair and permanent resolution to the conflict. American leaders should express sorrow for the deaths of Palestinians and address their plight, as they do for the Israeli people. Dialogue, negotiation, and commitment to international law are essential for a just and lasting solution.

Recognition of Palestinian Rights and Self-Determination:
The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital must be recognized. America has a moral obligation to stand up for the rights of all people, regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity, including Palestinians.

Condemnation of Hamas Attacks and Violence:
Hamas’s targeting of Israeli civilians is condemned as it violates Islamic injunctions against harming civilians and desecrating places of worship. The loss of innocent Israeli lives is tragic and heartbreaking, and there can be no justification for the killing of innocents.

Israeli Military Superiority and Devastation in Gaza:
Israel’s overwhelming military superiority results in devastating consequences for the people of Gaza. The indiscriminate bombing of innocent Palestinian civilians and the attempt to forcibly drive them into Sinai are condemned.

Netanyahu’s Actions and the Need for a Two-State Solution:
Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza are criticized as beastly, barbarous, and vengeful, resulting in the murder of innocent lives. The two-state solution, with secure borders and a pathway to a Palestinian homeland, is the only way to achieve lasting peace.

Biden’s Support for the Two-State Solution:
President Biden’s support for the two-state solution is applauded, but he must take concrete steps to ensure its implementation.

Conclusion:
The conflict has no heroes, only victims, and all parties must work towards ending the violence and finding a peaceful resolution.

Israel’s Funding of Hamas:
Israel provided financial support to Hamas, believing it could control the group by improving its financial situation. This action is ironic since Israel considers Hamas a terrorist organization.

Criticism of Western Bias:
Western politicians often express sympathy for Israeli casualties but ignore Palestinian casualties. Some media outlets present a biased narrative that obscures the root causes of the conflict. Criticizing Israel does not imply support for Hamas or insensitivity to Palestinian suffering.

Civil Resistance as an Alternative:
The speaker believes military resistance against occupation is justified but prefers civil resistance and disobedience. Citing examples from India and Eastern Europe, the speaker highlights the effectiveness of non-violent resistance.

Saudi Arabia’s Efforts for Peace:
Saudi Arabia is actively working with regional partners, the United States, and other stakeholders to de-escalate violence in Gaza. The goal is to achieve a ceasefire, revive a credible peace process based on the Arab Peace Initiative, and address the root causes of the conflict.

Support for Palestinian Rights:
Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Palestinian rights, including the establishment of a just and lasting peace. It has played a leading role in seeking peace between Israel and Palestine since the Madrid Conference and Oslo Accords.

Arab and Islamic Summits:
Recent summits in Saudi Arabia emphasized both the condemnation of Israel’s actions and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The summits aimed to promote a peaceful resolution in line with United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s Transformation:
Vision 2030 is a comprehensive program committed to moderation, eliminating extremism, and unlocking Saudi Arabia’s economic potential. It focuses on economic diversification, sustainable technologies, women’s empowerment, and social opportunities for youth. Vision 2030 aims to break negative cycles and promote positive practices domestically and internationally.

Advancing Equality and Social Reform:
Saudi Arabia is addressing issues of intolerance, reforming its educational system, and promoting interfaith dialogue. It has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to extremism and encourages tourism and cooperation with a spirit of openness.

Importance of Partnerships and Collaboration:
The Saudi-U.S. bilateral relationship is crucial in working towards a stable and secure Middle East. Peace, prosperity, and stability require allies, cooperation, economic collaboration, and dialogue.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to a Better Future:
Saudi Arabia aims to create a future of peace, prosperity, stability, and opportunity. The kingdom seeks to collaborate with others to achieve these goals and envisions a region of diversity, inclusivity, and economic growth.

Recognition of American Support for Palestinian Independence:
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal expressed gratitude for the American people’s support and sympathy towards the Palestinian people’s desire for independence from Israeli occupation.

Outpouring of Support from American Citizens:
Hundreds of thousands of Americans took to the streets in major cities worldwide, demonstrating their solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Personal Connection to Dialogue and Diplomacy:
The speaker highlighted the historical commitment to dialogue and diplomacy shared between Saudi Arabia and the United States, dating back to the meeting between their grandfathers in 1945.

Continuing the Legacy of Dialogue:
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal’s tenure as ambassador to the United States marked a continued emphasis on dialogue and cooperation between the two nations.

совместные усилия по доставке сообщения из Лонг-Бич, Калифорния, в Вашингтон, округ Колумбия:
The speaker and HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal collaborated in delivering a message of dialogue and cooperation from Long Beach, California, to Washington, D.C.

Commitment to Dialogue and Participation:
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal consistently responded to requests for his participation in promoting dialogue and cooperation.

Dedication to the Cause:
Despite prior commitments in Bahrain, HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal chose to stay and share his message of commitment to dialogue at the event.

Expression of Gratitude and Love:
The speaker expressed appreciation and affection for HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal’s unwavering dedication to promoting dialogue and cooperation.