International Interest in Abraham Accords Increases

(MENAFN) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that multiple nations are expressing readiness to join the Abraham Accords and formalize diplomatic relations with Israel.

Speaking during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee session, Rubio conveyed optimism about the ongoing efforts to expand the normalization agreements initially established under the previous U.S. administration.

Rubio stated, "I think there's still a willingness to do it," when questioned about a potential agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

He acknowledged that certain factors are currently obstructing progress—most notably the violent events of October 7—but emphasized that both Saudi and Israeli officials remain committed to the idea.

"Certain conditions are impediments -- October 7 being one of them -- but the Saudis have continued to express an interest, as have the Israelis, in reaching that agreement."

He further explained that the U.S. has an active department dedicated to promoting the Abraham Accords. "We do have an Abraham Accords office that is actively working to identify a number of countries who have lined up," he mentioned.

Rubio added that announcements from additional countries could arrive before the close of the year, marking continued momentum for the initiative.

"I think we may have good news, certainly before the end of this year, of a number of more countries that are willing to join that alliance."

The Abraham Accords began under Leader Donald Trump’s administration between 2017 and 2021, leading to U.S.-brokered normalization deals between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Egypt and Jordan had previously forged peace agreements with Israel, establishing official diplomatic ties.

Rubio’s remarks came amid ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is continuing what has been described as a genocidal campaign.

Since the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, over 52,600 individuals—mainly women and children—have reportedly lost their lives in the fighting.

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