US energy envoy says there is still hope for Israel-Saudi Arabia normalisation

US energy envoy Amos Hochstein said on Thursday he did not think hope should be lost with regards to normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, and it remains a goal for his country despite the ongoing war in Gaza, Reuters reported. 

Saudi Arabia put US-backed plans to normalise ties with Israel on ice nearly two months ago, at the start of Israel's war on Gaza. 

"I think that not every road is a straight road and sometimes it goes in different directions first. But the goal is still the same," Hochstein said, speaking on the sidelines of an industry event in the United Arab Emirates.

"And we remain as committed to that goal of regional integration; and it's not just about Saudi Arabia and Israel, it has to be much broader than that."

The United States and Israel oppose a ceasefire in Gaza. Since 7 October, more than 16,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, mostly women and children.