Israel Blocks Saudi-Led Delegation's West Bank Visit, Riyadh Responds Strongly

Israel has reportedly denied entry to a delegation of Middle Eastern foreign ministers led by Saudi Arabia, preventing their planned visit to the West Bank.

- CORRESPONDENT

The group, which included ministers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan, was scheduled to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Sunday.

The visit was intended to show regional support for the Palestinians and discuss prospects for peace.

According to a senior Israeli official quoted by The Times of Israel, Israel's decision to block the delegation was motivated by concerns that the Palestinian Authority planned to use the visit to promote the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Israel views such moves as politically sensitive and potentially disruptive to its security and diplomatic positions.

The delegation's visit was seen as a rare display of unity among key Middle Eastern countries with varying ties to Israel and Palestine.