Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, has stressed the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the connection between the war in Gaza and escalating tensions in the Red Sea.
Speaking at a dialogue session during the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Prince Faisal expressed Saudi Arabia’s concerns about the broader security implications in the Red Sea region, emphasizing the priority of reducing the current escalation.
Prince Faisal underscored the interrelation between the conflict in Gaza and recent attacks in the Red Sea. “The attacks in the Red Sea are related to the war in Gaza. We do not see any sign to stop the war and escalation from the part of Israel. Our priority is to find a path to reduce the escalation, and this depends on stopping the war in Gaza,” he stated.
Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s apprehension regarding tensions in the Red Sea, Prince Faisal called for urgent international intervention to halt the conflict in Gaza. He warned that the persistent suffering of the people in Gaza could lead to further episodes of escalation. Prince Faisal emphasized the interdependence of Israel’s security and the establishment of a Palestinian state, asserting that the first step towards peace is a ceasefire in Gaza involving all parties.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, also participating in the dialogue session, acknowledged the humanitarian tragedy affecting civilians in both Israel and Gaza. She expressed efforts to prevent the conflict’s expansion and advocated for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the need to facilitate its entry. Baerbock reaffirmed support for the two-state solution, highlighting the importance of ensuring security for both Israel and the Palestinians.
