Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held talks on Thursday with his Canadian counterpart, Mélanie Joly, focusing on the current situation in Gaza and its surroundings.
They emphasized the international community’s responsibility to end the escalation, protect civilians, and exert all efforts to resolve the longstanding conflict.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the meeting also covered bilateral relations and the enhancement of cooperation between the two friendly nations, alongside updates on regional and international issues and the endeavors related to them.
During an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) held in Jeddah, Bin Farhan, issued a warning against potential Israeli military actions in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.
He reiterated the Kingdom’s strong opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians from the territory.
Addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, which began in October, the Saudi prince highlighted a growing international consensus advocating for an immediate ceasefire.
He emphasized the crucial need to establish a Palestinian state and endorsed the two-state solution as the viable path forward.
The Saudi minister expressed concern over the escalating casualties, stating that more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s assault, initiated after Hamas-led attacks resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people on October 7.
Prince Faisal also underscored support for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and warned against any attempts to dissolve the agency.
He emphasized that dismantling UNRWA would worsen the suffering of civilians in Gaza. Prince Faisal urged countries that had suspended their funding for the agency, following Israeli accusations linking agency employees to the October 7 attacks, to reconsider their decisions.
The toll of fatalities attributed to hunger in the Gaza Strip has escalated to 20, as reported by Al Mayadeen television based in Lebanon.
