The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a statement expressing regret over the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine.
The country has called for a de-escalation of the crisis
The early hours of Saturday, the Palestinian militant group, the Hamas launched an unprecedented and offensive attack by infiltrating Israel.
The attack has resulted in the confirmed deaths of over hundreds of people in Israel, with over a hundred others currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
In response, Israeli forces have carried out retaliatory strikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of nearly 200 people.
In a statement made available in the media earlier, the Hamas military commander, Mohammed Deif, claimed that the attacks were a reprisal for Israel’s alleged “desecration” of the Al-Agsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the killing and injuring of hundreds of Palestinians this year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has, however, noted that it is monitoring developments closely.
The Kingdom calls for an immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, the protection of civilians, and restraint,” the statement reads.
It added: “The Kingdom recalls its repeated warnings of the dangers of the explosion of the situation as a result of the continued occupation, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, and the repetition of systematic provocations against its sanctities.
“The Kingdom renews the call of the international community to assume its responsibilities and activate a credible peace process that leads to the two-state solution to achieve security and peace in the region and protect civilians.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) has condemned the attack by Hamas, adding that the body is worried about civilians caught in the crossfire.
In a statement released after Hamas’ attack and the following reprisal, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said: “Civilians must be respected and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law at all times,” the statement reads.
“The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and calls for the immediate release of all abducted persons.
“The Secretary-General urges all diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration. He stresses that violence cannot provide a solution to the conflict, and that only through negotiation leading to a two-state solution can peace be achieved.”
Also, US President Joe Biden, in a post on X, expressed support for Israel and sent his condolences to families who have lost loved ones.
“Today, I spoke with the Israeli prime minister about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel,” Biden said.
