Saudi Arabia Cautions on Normalizing Ties with Israel, Demands Two-State Solution

Saudi Arabian officials have stated they are not in a hurry to normalize relations with Israel, highlighting that any future ties are contingent upon establishing a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution. This announcement comes amid former U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to incorporate Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to visit both Saudi Arabia and Israel, focusing on negotiations for a ceasefire agreement and discussions regarding normalization. Trump is also advocating for significant Saudi investment in the U.S., with a targeted amount of $1 trillion, alongside initiatives to lower oil prices. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan emphasized the importance of longstanding strategic relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, noting the mutual benefits of continued cooperation under Trump’s influence.

Saad Almadi, a 74-year-old American-Saudi dual citizen, is reportedly facing coercion from Saudi authorities to renounce his U.S. citizenship after being imprisoned for social media posts critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Following his release from a Saudi prison in March 2023, Almadi received an exit ban preventing him from returning to his home in Florida. His son, Ibrahim Almadi, claims that Saudi officials threatened his father with further restrictions if he did not comply with the demands to give up his American citizenship. According to a U.S.-based human rights group, Almadi is among several dual nationals expressing similar concerns regarding coercive practices by the Saudi government aimed at silencing dissent. Ibrahim has criticized the Biden administration's response to his father's situation, stating that if this were a matter involving countries like Russia or Iran, the U.S. would have acted more decisively. The Saudi government, which does not recognize dual citizenship, has maintained that its actions are part of broader efforts to combat corruption and security threats. U.S. officials have confirmed that Almadi remains a U.S. citizen and are working to provide him with consular support. Advocacy groups are calling for greater U.S. intervention to assist Almadi and other detained or restricted American citizens in Saudi Arabia.

Archaeologists have uncovered fossilized human footprints in northern Saudi Arabia that are estimated to be around 115,000 years old. This remarkable find was made at a prehistoric lakebed site, known as "the trace," located in the Nefud Desert. The footprints were discovered among hundreds of animal prints, suggesting the area was a significant site for prehistoric travel, likely used as a freshwater source during dry periods. The findings indicate that seven hominin footprints belong to early Homo sapiens, as evidence suggests they predated Neanderthal presence in the region. The lakebed conditions were ideal for preserving these ancient prints, which could provide crucial insights into human migration patterns during climate change. Researchers highlighted that the lack of hunting evidence, such as tool marks on animal bones, implies these early humans may have been transient visitors, primarily seeking potable water rather than engaging in extensive hunting activities. The discovery emphasizes the importance of the Alathar lakeshore as a historic corridor for both humans and large animals in a time before the onset of the last ice age. This study not only sheds light on the lifestyle of these ancient populations but also enhances our understanding of human adaptability in changing environments.