Saudi Arabia calls for lasting peace in Gaza, says 'truce is not enough'

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Wednesday called for a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, saying the current “truce is not enough.”

Speaking at a press briefing as part of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, the minister warned that once the humanitarian pause ends, the killings in Gaza will resume, which he described as "unbearable".

He said that 16,000 civilians, most of them children, were killed in Gaza and added: "We are here to make a clear statement that a truce is not enough. What is needed is a cease-fire. What is needed is a credible peace and a peace that lasts and that allows the Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in two states."

"Anything else will result in the continuing crisis in the region," he added.

Qatar announced an agreement late Monday to extend an initial four-day pause for two more days, under which further prisoner exchanges will be carried out.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

It has since killed over 15,000 people, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.