In brief
In an unprecedented move, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman labeled Israel’s conduct in Gaza as "genocide," showcasing one of the most significant critiques from a Saudi leader during the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a recent summit attended by prominent Muslim and Arab leaders, the Crown Prince condemned not only the Israeli attacks in Gaza but also those in Lebanon and against Iran. Israel has strongly rejected these allegations. The Saudi foreign minister pointed out that the international community has failed to halt the ongoing violence, accusing Israel of causing widespread starvation in Gaza.
Following the violent escalation sparked by Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed, Israel's military response has reportedly led to more than 43,000 deaths in Gaza, predominantly among women and children. The summit participants called for total Israeli withdrawal from both the West Bank and Gaza amid rising tensions. Former US President Donald Trump's potential return to the White House was also noted, with Gulf leaders hopeful that his influence might bring stability to the region despite mixed reactions to his past policies on Israel.
