Saudi Arabia on Friday slammed Israel’s call for Palestinians to leave Gaza and condemned the continued targeting of defenseless civilians.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms its categorical rejection of calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza, and its condemnation of the continued targeting of defenseless civilians there,” a statement from the Foreign Ministry said.
Earlier, the Israeli military asked all civilians of Gaza City, more than 1 million people, to relocate south within 24 hours, as it amassed tanks near the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground invasion.
Saudi Arabia called on the international community to swiftly move to stop all military escalation against civilians and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
“[The international community] must provide the needed relief and medical needs for the people of Gaza, especially since deprivation of basic necessities for a decent life violates international humanitarian law,” the statement said.
Riyadh also warned that not doing so would exacerbate the crisis and suffering that the region’s people were suffering.
Saudi Arabia called for ending the Israeli siege on Gaza, evacuating injured civilians and advancing the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Source: Kuwait News Agency