RIYADH: The Saudi Foreign Ministry has expressed its categorical rejection of the Israeli occupation authorities’ announcement regarding their incursion into and control of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian territories.
The ministry, in a statement on Wednesday, also strongly condemned the continued Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
It reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm stance against any attempts to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and stressed the importance of holding the occupation authorities accountable to international resolutions.
The ministry reiterated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, in line with international legitimacy, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that an expanded offensive against the Palestinian group Hamas would be “intensive” after his security cabinet approved plans that may include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling aid.
However, an Israeli defence official said the operation would not be launched before US President Donald Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said Israeli attacks have killed at least 2,459 people and wounded 6,569 others in the territory since Israel broke a ceasefire with Hamas on March 18.
