Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza, describing them as “genocide” during a high-profile summit of Arab and Muslim leaders held in Riyadh.
Speaking to leaders from across the Arab and Muslim world, Crown Prince Mohammed, also known as MBS, denounced Israel’s actions as an atrocity against the Palestinian people. “The kingdom reiterates its denunciation of the genocide perpetrated by Israel against the brotherly Palestinian people, which resulted in more than 150,000 martyrs, wounded, and missing, the majority of whom are women and children,” he stated. The Saudi leader’s remarks come amid a backdrop of intense violence in Gaza, which began escalating on October 7 of last year.
Call For Immediate Ceasefire & End To Aggression
The crown prince further urged an immediate halt to Israel’s military campaigns in both Gaza and Lebanon, stressing that these actions only exacerbate regional instability. “This summit is held as an extension to the previous summit in light of the continued heinous Israeli aggressions against our brotherly Palestinian people and the extension of aggressions on the brotherly Republic of Lebanon,” he emphasized. Additionally, MBS called on Israel to “refrain from any further act of aggression” and emphasized the urgent need for international intervention.
In a noteworthy display of shifting regional alliances, MBS warned Israel against extending its military operations to Iran, urging respect for Iranian sovereignty. “We call on the international community to assume its responsibility to immediately halt the aggression on Palestine and Lebanon, and obliging Israel to respect the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran and not attack its territories,” he declared.
MBS also highlighted concerns about Israel’s treatment of Palestinian territories, criticizing the “desecration of the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque” and the undermining of the Palestinian Authority’s role. He called for recognition of a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as a precondition for lasting peace in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud, echoed the crown prince’s sentiments, emphasizing that it was a “failing of the international community” that the war in Gaza had not been stopped. He specifically criticized the global response, stating, “Where the international community primarily has failed is ending the immediate conflict and putting an end to Israel’s aggression.” The foreign minister also accused Israel of causing widespread starvation in Gaza, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Lebanon’s Plea Amid Crisis & Renewed Regional Alliances
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati also addressed the summit, highlighting the dire situation facing his country amid escalating tensions with Israel. He described Lebanon as being in the midst of an “unprecedented historical and existential crisis” due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. Mikati’s comments underscored the far-reaching impact of the conflict beyond Gaza, threatening the stability of neighboring countries.
The summit also highlighted a new chapter in Middle Eastern diplomacy, with signs of improving ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, traditionally seen as regional rivals. The cooperation between Riyadh and Tehran on this issue signals a potential shift in regional dynamics, with both countries taking a strong stance against Israeli aggression.
The summit concluded with a unified call from Arab and Muslim leaders for a ceasefire and an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging Israel to withdraw from all occupied Palestinian territories. The leaders reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution and the recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. The event marked a significant moment in regional diplomacy, with Saudi Arabia leading the call for international intervention to halt the violence and address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.
News Sources: Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and TRT.
