A Saudi Foreign Ministry report, reviewed by Middle East Eye, outlines plans for the kingdom to assist in disarming Hamas and marginalizing its political role. The initiative will be complemented by financial and logistical support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) to ensure stability in Gaza.

The report notes that Saudi Arabia intends to back the deployment of “an international peacekeeping mission to Gaza” and suggests that other Arab and Muslim-majority countries could also contribute to such a force.

Marginalizing Hamas and Reforming the PA

The report highlights Hamas’ role as a barrier to peace efforts and a factor deepening Palestinian divisions, arguing the group should be sidelined. Riyadh proposes a gradual, “progressive” disarmament approach backed by international and regional agreements.

The kingdom also seeks institutional reforms in the Palestinian Authority (PA) to combat corruption, increase efficiency, and ensure broader representation of all Palestinian factions. According to the document, “Reorganizing authority is a fundamental element for achieving national unity and effective, transparent governance.”

Regional Coordination and Dialogue

Saudi Arabia’s plans will be implemented in consultation with Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. The report calls for a Palestinian national dialogue under the PA’s umbrella to integrate factions and strengthen national cohesion. Saudi Arabia is expected to support this dialogue through regional workshops and conferences.

Middle East Eye notes that Riyadh is expected to take a leading role in funding and coordinating humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Diplomatic Initiative and International Context

The report refers to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s address to the UN General Assembly on September 29, calling for urgent international action to halt Israeli operations in Gaza. Throughout the summer, Saudi Arabia and France pushed for a Gaza solution that would deploy an international security force and facilitate Israeli-Palestinian dialogue.

Although U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly enforced his own ceasefire deal with the support of some Middle Eastern countries, elements of the Saudi-French proposal appear to have been incorporated. The ceasefire includes partial Israeli troop withdrawal and plans for Hamas’ disarmament, which Hamas officials say can only happen after the end of Israeli occupations and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Saudi Leadership and Regional Role

Sources from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE told Middle East Eye that the absence of certain Gulf leaders at key summits reflected their perception that their influence in the agreements was not as substantial as desired. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to shoulder a significant portion of humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

The report also notes Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s opposition to any normalization deal with Saudi Arabia in exchange for a Palestinian state, emphasizing ongoing regional political tensions.