In brief
In a recent summit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman labeled Israel's military actions in Gaza as "genocide," parallel to growing tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict and calls for a unified Muslim stance against Israeli aggression.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has escalated his critique of Israel's military operations in Gaza, branding them as "genocide" in one of the strongest assertions made by a Saudi official during the current conflict. Speaking at a conference of Muslim and Arab leaders, the prince also condemned Israeli actions directed towards Lebanon and Iran. In response to these allegations, Israel firmly rejected claims of committing genocide against the Palestinian population.The prince’s remarks come amid a backdrop of improving relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. He warned Israel against executing military operations on Iranian territory. Additionally, the discussions at the summit emphasized the need for Israel to withdraw fully from both the West Bank and Gaza. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud highlighted the failures of the international community in addressing the conflict, specifically criticizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the resultant starvation in Gaza. He stated, "The primary failure of the international community has been in ceasing the immediate conflict and stopping Israel’s aggression."The current violence commenced after Hamas's attack on 7 October 2023, which resulted in the death of about 1,200 people and the capture of others in southern Israel. In retaliation, Israel launched an offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas, which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has led to over 43,400 fatalities in Gaza. The UN Human Rights Office reported that a significant majority of these victims, nearly 70%, comprised women and children.Leaders at the summit also condemned Israel's attacks on UN entities and personnel in Gaza. In a controversial move, the Knesset recently passed legislation aimed at prohibiting the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and East Jerusalem, leading to widespread international concern regarding the agency's capability to deliver critical aid to Gaza.As the summit progresses, Donald Trump's anticipated return to the White House remains a focal point for Gulf leaders. Although aware of Trump's close ties with Israel, they also seek to leverage his relationship to foster peace in the region. In Saudi Arabia, Trump enjoys greater popularity compared to President Joe Biden, attributed partly to his complicated legacy in the Middle East.An editorial in a prominent Saudi newspaper reflects this sentiment, expressing optimism about Trump’s potential return, titling it, “A new era of hope. Trump’s return and the promise of stability.” The summit thus represents a combination of optimism and uncertainty as leaders discuss the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy amid the ongoing crisis.
