Saudi Crown Prince Labels Israeli Actions in Gaza as 'Genocide' in Sharp Rebuke
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has fiercely condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as “genocide” during a high-profile summit of Muslim and Arab leaders. His remarks represent some of the most severe public criticism from a Saudi leader since the escalation of conflict in Gaza began.
Speaking alongside leaders from across the region, Crown Prince Mohammed expressed deep concerns about Israel’s recent strikes, extending his criticism to Israeli attacks in Lebanon and Iran. In a significant move towards mending longstanding rifts, Saudi Arabia’s leader issued a warning to Israel against any incursions on Iranian soil—a statement underscoring the warming relations between Riyadh and Tehran.
Alongside calls for Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud also denounced what he described as an international failure to prevent escalation. “The world’s inability to stop this war in Gaza reflects a serious failure,” he remarked, accusing Israel of inducing starvation in the territory.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, with an attack by Hamas on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 251 hostages. Israel’s counteroffensive has since led to substantial casualties, with the Hamas-controlled health ministry reporting over 43,400 fatalities in Gaza. According to a report from the UN’s Human Rights Office, nearly 70% of those killed over a six-month span were women and children.
Leaders at the summit expressed additional concern over Israel’s actions against UN personnel and facilities in Gaza, highlighting an Israeli legislative move last month that bars the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, from operating in Israel and East Jerusalem. This decision, viewed by some nations as a limitation on humanitarian aid, has drawn criticism from the US, the UK, and others.
With Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House looming in the background, Gulf leaders are watching closely. Known for his rapport with Israel, Trump also maintains favorable relations with many Gulf nations, who hope he might leverage his influence to broker peace in the region. In Saudi Arabia, where Trump remains popular, there is a belief that he could renew stability talks, despite mixed reactions to his Middle East legacy.
One major Saudi editorial recently called his potential return “A New Era of Hope,” emphasizing that the region sees Trump’s brand of diplomacy as a potential pathway to resolve ongoing tensions.
