Speculation is growing ahead of the upcoming Gulf-US summit in Riyadh, where US President Donald Trump is expected to announce formal American recognition of a Palestinian state, according to a senior Gulf diplomatic source. The potential recognition would reportedly exclude Hamas from any role in governance.
The announcement, anticipated during Trump’s second official visit to Saudi Arabia in his second term, is being seen as a possible turning point in Middle East diplomacy. Analysts suggest it could reshape US policy in the region and encourage further normalisation agreements between Arab states and Israel under the framework of the Abraham Accords.
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A Gulf official familiar with the discussions stated that if the recognition is declared, it would be a landmark shift that could alter the balance of power in the region. Trump has already hinted at a historic announcement, fuelling expectations ahead of the summit, which Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will lead on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
In addition to the Palestine issue, the summit’s agenda is set to cover security cooperation, military and technological partnerships, and economic agreements. Whether the Palestinian leadership, particularly the Palestinian Authority, will accept a statehood plan that excludes Hamas remains an open question as no formal response has yet been given.
