Israel should end occupation, siege in Gaza: Saudi Arabia at summit of Arab-Islamic nations

RIYADH: In an emergency summit of Arab-Islamic countries, host Saudi Arabia called for an end to Israel's occupation in Gaza and the immediate release of prisoners and hostages. Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman made this request on behalf of Saudi Arabia at the summit held in the backdrop of the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Saudi Arabia assessed that the UN Security Council and the international community had failed to prevent the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and criticized the international community for taking two positions in preventing Israel from committing a serious violation of international laws. The only solution to the problem is the creation of a Palestinian state based in East Jerusalem as in 1967, PM Salman said.

In addition to Gaza, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told the summit that Israel's occupation has increased in the West Bank and called on the US administration to stop Israel's occupation and destruction of its holy sites. He also stated that the evacuation of people from Gaza or the West Bank would be opposed. At the same time, Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani asked how long the countries of the world will consider Israel above international laws.