Ankara: Saudi Arabia has urged for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the urgent need to end the suffering of Palestinian civilians amidst the ongoing Israeli military actions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, emphasized that the primary objective is to stop the bloodshed in Gaza and improve the dire humanitarian situation faced by Palestinians. The minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the June 1967 borders, stating that peace is the strategic solution to resolve the longstanding conflict and end the Israeli occupation.
Prince Faisal announced that Saudi Arabia is in discussions with France to decide on an appropriate date for an international conference focused on Palestinian statehood and regional peace. He stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy not just in the Middle East, but in all conflict areas worldwide.
The Saudi foreign minister also expressed confidence in the leadership of President Donald Trump to guide the region towards a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, aiming for the realization of Palestinian statehood.
Recent developments have seen the Palestinian group Hamas considering proposals from mediators that aim to secure a ceasefire, prompt Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Hamas has expressed its willingness to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a halt to Israel’s military actions and a complete withdrawal from Gaza.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been reluctant to agree to a comprehensive deal, favoring limited arrangements that would allow military operations to continue, a stance perceived as an effort to maintain his political position.
Despite global appeals for a ceasefire, the Israeli military has continued its operations in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than 57,100 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since October 2023.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.