Saudi crown prince, Biden discuss ways to stop Israeli military operations in Gaza
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called on the US to work immediately to discuss ways to stop Israeli military operations that claimed the lives of innocent people, reports Arab News.
Speaking during a call he received from US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, the crown prince discussed the military escalation taking place in Gaza and the efforts being made to end the war.
They agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts "to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding," the White House said, adding the two leaders will remain in close coordination directly and through their teams over the coming period.
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Prince Mohammed also called on the need to find solutions to rejecting the targeting of civilians in any way, or the targeting of infrastructure and vital interests that affect their daily lives or forced displacement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He stressed the need for calm, stopping the escalation, and not allowing it to deteriorate in a way that affects the security and stability of the region, and the need to adhere to international humanitarian law, lift the siege on Gaza, preserve basic services, and allow the entry of humanitarian and medical aid.
The crown prince also explained the importance of restoring the path of peace to ensure that the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and achieve a just and comprehensive peace.
Biden and the Saudi crown prince welcomed the delivery of humanitarian assistance from Egypt into Gaza and recognized that "much more is needed for civilians" to have sustained access to food, water and medical assistance, according to the White House.
They both welcomed ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and called for their immediate release, the White House added.
Gulf states including Saudi Arabia worry a wider conflict would affect their national security and have been pressing Western allies and Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza and a lift of the siege on the strip.
The United States has thus far not supported calls for a ceasefire, with White House national security council spokesman John Kirby saying a ceasefire at this stage will benefit Hamas.
