Saudi Crown Prince Labels Israeli Actions in Gaza as ‘Genocide’

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has labeled Israel’s conduct in Gaza as “genocide,” representing some of the most severe public criticism of the country by a Saudi official since the conflict began. Speaking at a gathering of Muslim and Arab leaders, the prince also condemned Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Iran. Israel has strongly denied that its forces are committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In a demonstration of improving relations between the historically rival nations of Riyadh and Tehran, Prince Mohammed additionally cautioned Israel against launching assaults on Iranian soil. Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, along with other attending leaders, called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister stated that the international community’s failure to stop the war in Gaza constituted a “failing of the international community,” further accusing Israel of causing starvation in the territory. Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud remarked: “Where the international community primarily has failed is ending the immediate conflict and putting an end to Israel’s aggression.” The war in Gaza was initiated by Hamas’s attack on 7 October 2023, which involved hundreds of armed individuals entering southern Israel. Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 251 others were taken hostage. Israel responded by launching a military campaign aimed at destroying Hamas, during which more than 43,400 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. A report from the UN’s Human Rights Office indicated that nearly 70% of verified victims over a six-month period in Gaza were women and children. Leaders at the summit also denounced what they described as Israel’s “continuous attacks” against UN staff and facilities in Gaza. Last month, the Knesset passed legislation to prohibit Unrwa, the UN Palestinian refugee agency, from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, alleging the organization’s collaboration with Hamas. Several countries, including the US and the UK, have expressed serious concern regarding this action, which restricts the agency’s capacity to transfer aid to Gaza. Against the backdrop of the well-attended summit, the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House is a significant factor. Gulf leaders are aware of his close ties to Israel, yet they also maintain positive relations with him and hope he will utilize his influence and inclination for deal-making to secure an end to conflicts in this region. In Saudi Arabia, Trump is viewed considerably more favorably than Joe Biden, though his record in the Middle East is mixed. He pleased Israel and angered the Muslim world by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the annexation of the occupied Golan Heights. He also facilitated the Abraham Accords in 2020, which led to the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco establishing full diplomatic relations with Israel, and Sudan agreeing to do so. An editorial published today in a leading Saudi newspaper is titled: “A new era of hope. Trump’s return and the promise of stability.”