Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has publicly condemned Israel for its actions in the Gaza Strip, labelling them as “crimes against the Palestinian people” and advocating for an end to the ongoing siege.
The crown prince made these remarks during an extraordinary joint Islamic-Arab summit in Riyadh.
The summit, organized by the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), saw leaders from across the Muslim world, including Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas, convene to discuss the urgent situation in Gaza.
Among the summit’s key demands were the immediate cessation of military operations and the release of hostages.
Dire Humanitarian Situation in Gaza’s Hospitals
The crisis in Gaza’s medical facilities, especially Al Shifa Hospital, has reached a critical point. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported to Reuters that 39 babies were at risk due to a lack of oxygen and medicine, a consequence of the electricity cutoff caused by Israel’s blockade.
Medical professionals in Gaza have been highlighting the dangerous conditions, appealing for a ceasefire to save lives. Al Shifa Hospital, repeatedly hit by Israeli strikes, is facing a catastrophic situation, as described by its Director Muhammad Abu Salmiya to Al Jazeera.
Patients, including those in incubators and intensive care units, are dying, with the hospital now lacking power, internet, water, and medical supplies. Abu Salmiya emphasized the isolation and desperation faced by the hospital staff and patients, noting that their calls for international help have gone unanswered.