Saudi Crown Prince stresses importance of ensuring Palestinian rights

According to Saudi Gazette, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman engaged in a phone conversation with US President Joe Biden, highlighting the imperative for de-escalation in Gaza and a commitment to international humanitarian law in light of the current regional tensions.

The Crown Prince, expressing deep concern over the situation, underscored the necessity to halt the current escalation, preventing any further deterioration that could adversely affect the security and stability of the entire region.

He emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of international law, particularly in protecting civilians and vital infrastructure.

President Biden, in turn, extended his appreciation to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for his efforts in reducing and containing escalation in the region.

Furthermore, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman affirmed Saudi Arabia's rejection of all forms of targeting civilians and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to the crisis.

He stressed the urgency of restoring peace and ensuring the Palestinian people's legitimate rights.

The diplomatic conversation also touched upon the vital need to lift the blockade on Gaza, a move seen as essential for addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region

The Crown Prince asserted that such measures are crucial for fostering a just and comprehensive peace, echoing a sentiment of peace and stability for the entire Middle East.

Sunak follows Biden to Israel to show support

Israel pounded Gaza with more air strikes on Thursday and Egypt took steps to let in aid, as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak followed US President Joe Biden on visits to demonstrate Western support for the war against Hamas.

Sunak borrowed a phrase associated with British wartime leader Winston Churchill, pledging to stand by Israel "in its darkest hour" following the October 07 rampage by Hamas gunmen who killed 1,400 Israelis.

Israel has responded to the deadliest attack in its 75-year history by vowing to annihilate Hamas, putting the entire Gaza Strip's 2.3 million people under a total siege, and bombarding the enclave in strikes that have killed thousands and made more than a million homeless.

Western countries have tried to balance their support for Israel with calls to ease the plight of Gazans, but Sunak's emphasis was firmly on the former.

"Above all, I'm here to express my solidarity with the Israeli people. You have suffered an unspeakable, horrific act of terrorism and I want you to know that the United Kingdom and I stand with you," Sunak told reporters after landing in Tel Aviv hours after Biden left.

Later appearing beside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said, "We will stand with you in solidarity. We will stand with your people. And we also want you to win."