Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has issued his strongest criticism yet of Israel’s actions in Gaza, condemning them as “genocide” during a summit of Muslim and Arab leaders.
“The kingdom renews its condemnation and categorical rejection of the genocide committed by Israel against the brotherly Palestinian people,” he said.
The crown prince also spoke out against Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Iran. In a sign of improving relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, he warned Israel against launching attacks on Iranian territory.
During the summit, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud criticised the international community’s response to the conflict.
“Where the international community primarily has failed is ending the immediate conflict and putting an end to Israel’s aggression,” the foreign minister said. He also accused Israel of causing starvation in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict began after Hamas’s October 7 attack last year, which killed approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Israel’s subsequent military campaign to destroy Hamas has led to over 43,400 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. A UN Human Rights Office report revealed that nearly 70 per cent of verified victims over a six-month period in Gaza were women and children.
In September, the crown prince said the kingdom would not recognise Israel unless a Palestinian state was established.
Summit leaders also condemned Israel’s “continuous attacks” on UN staff and facilities in Gaza. Recently, Israel’s Knesset passed legislation banning UNRWA, the UN Palestinian refugee agency, from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, citing alleged collusion with Hamas. This move has raised serious concerns from several countries, including the US and UK, regarding aid delivery to Gaza.
The summit took place amid discussions of Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House. While Gulf leaders maintain good relations with Trump and appreciate his deal-making approach, his previous Middle East policies have received mixed reactions. These included recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the occupied Golan Heights annexation, as well as brokering the 2020 Abraham Accords.
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