The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, had a telephone conversation with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg.
During the call, they discussed the serious escalation of violence by Israeli forces in Gaza and its surroundings.
They stressed the international community’s responsibility to halt the military escalation to prevent further civilian casualties.
The ministers also discussed the necessity of finding a fair and comprehensive solution that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Additionally, they reviewed Saudi-Austrian relations, exploring ways to support and enhance these ties in the interests of both countries and peoples. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues.
The Gaza Strip has been a focal point of conflict in the Israeli-Palestinian issue for decades. It is a small territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel to the north and east and Egypt to the south.
Its western border is the Mediterranean coast. Gaza’s history is marked by numerous military conflicts, primarily between Israel and Palestinian groups, including Hamas, which has governed the Strip since 2007.
The situation in Gaza is complex and rooted in a long history of political, territorial, and religious disputes. The establishment of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Arab-Israeli War led to the first influx of Palestinian refugees into Gaza.
Over time, repeated conflicts have led to severe humanitarian crises, with widespread destruction of infrastructure and a significant impact on the civilian population.
Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 but has maintained control over its borders, airspace, and maritime access, citing security concerns, especially the threat of attacks by militant groups within Gaza.
This control, along with restrictions by Egypt on its border with Gaza, has led to an economic blockade, contributing to poor living conditions for the Strip’s two million inhabitants.
Efforts to reconcile Palestinian leadership factions and address the humanitarian situation in Gaza have seen limited success.
International efforts have often focused on brokering ceasefires following escalations in violence, addressing humanitarian needs, and attempting to restart peace talks aimed at a two-state solution.
