Saudi crown prince rejects forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza

By Ahmed Gouda

ANKARA (AA) - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated Friday his country’s rejection of forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Bin Salman encouraged making all possible efforts to deescalate the situation in Gaza and ensure that the violence does not spread during a telephone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, according to Saudi state news agency, SPA.

He demanded the lifting of the siege on Gaza and allowing medical and relief aid into the blockaded Palestinian territory.

A statement by Trudeau’s office said the two leaders discussed the situation in Gaza and Israel and regional security implications of the conflict.

They also expressed deep concerns about the humanitarian effect of the Gaza conflict and stressed the importance that all parties protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access to the affected areas.

Trudeau reiterated Canada’s support for a two-state solution and the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.

Israel launched a relentless bombardment campaign on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Israeli border towns on Oct. 7. Hamas said its attack was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched a massive air campaign on Gaza, putting the territory’s 2.3 million residents under total siege and a blockade of food, fuel and medical supplies.

At least 4,137 Palestinians, including 1,524 children and 1,000 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. That figure stands at more than 1,400 in Israel.