Saudi crown prince tells Biden that military escalation in Gaza needs to stop

By Anadolu staff

RIYADH (AA) - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed Tuesday the necessity of stopping the military escalation between Israeli and Palestinian forces in the Gaza Strip, affirming his rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians.

His remarks came during a phone call he received from US President Joe Biden, according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

"During the call, the military escalation currently taking place in Gaza and the efforts being made regarding it were discussed," SPA said.

Bin Salman stressed "the need to work immediately to discuss ways to stop military operations that have claimed the lives of innocent people and to reject targeting civilians in any way or targeting infrastructure and vital interests that affect their daily lives or forced displacement."

He also stressed "the need for calm, stopping the escalation, and preventing the situation from deteriorating, affecting the security and stability of the region."

The Saudi crown prince also called for lifting the siege on Gaza and adhering to international humanitarian law as well as allowing the entry aid into the enclave.

During the call, Biden thanked bin Salman for his “efforts to reduce the pace of escalation and prevent it from expanding in the region.”

Israel launched a relentless bombardment campaign on Gaza following a surprise attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, putting the enclave’s residents under total siege and a blockade of food, fuel and medical supplies.

Nearly 7,200 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,791 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat