In a rare public rebuke, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, labelling them as “genocide” during a high-profile summit with Muslim and Arab leaders. The gathering, held in Riyadh, also saw the Crown Prince criticize Israel’s recent strikes on Lebanon and Iran, further underscoring the escalating tension in the region.
Rising Tensions and Regional Warnings
At the summit, the Crown Prince issued a strong warning to Israel against any attacks on Iranian soil, a stance reflecting the warming relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. His statement marks one of the Saudi government’s strongest condemnations of Israel since the beginning of the conflict, highlighting a shift in the Middle Eastern power dynamics as Riyadh and Tehran, long-time rivals, find common ground.
Saudi Arabia Blames International Community for Failing Gaza
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud, denounced the global response, calling it a “failing of the international community” for not intervening in Gaza. He specifically accused Israel of causing starvation within Gaza, underscoring the humanitarian impact of the conflict and highlighting the need for swift international action to prevent further escalation.
Conflict Triggers Regional Backlash
The recent escalation in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have since led to substantial casualties in Gaza, with over 43,400 lives lost, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN’s Human Rights Office has reported that approximately 70% of victims in Gaza are women and children.
Leaders Demand Withdrawal from Palestinian Territories
At the Riyadh summit, Arab and Muslim leaders called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza. The gathering also addressed Israel’s recent legislative moves to restrict the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) from operating in occupied territories, a decision met with international concern for limiting humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Summit Reflections on Trump’s Potential Middle East Role
The summit also speculated on Donald Trump’s potential influence in the Middle East should he return to office, given his strong ties with Israel. Saudi leaders hope that Trump’s deal-making approach could bring peace to the region, despite his controversial past decisions that heavily favoured Israel, such as recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
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