JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday said any potential Israeli military actions in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip would have dangerous repercussions, a foreign ministry statement said.
Speaking during an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) held in Jeddah, Prince Faisal also reiterated the Kingdom’s opposition to the displacement of Palestinians from the territory.
The extraordinary session was held to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel which began in October.
More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel’s assault, launched after Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 people on Oct. 7.
Citing growing global outcry, the foreign minister said an increasing number of countries were now pushing for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and support for an independent Palestinian state was growing.
“We have noticed a positive development in the positions of some countries and an understanding of the magnitude of the disaster. We have also seen an increase in the number of countries calling for an immediate ceasefire. Additionally, we have heard from several countries about their willingness in principle to recognize the State of Palestine,” the minister said.
The establishment of a Palestinian state has been the long held position of many Arab and Muslim-majority states in line with the Arab Peace Initiative. This state would be on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Prince Faisal said the creation of a state for Palestinians would enable them to secure their rights, live in safety and determine their destiny.
The Saudi diplomat also stressed support for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, and warned against attempts to dissolve the agency, adding that doing so would further exacerbate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
“The Kingdom will continue its support for ... UNRWA and urges all supporters to fulfill their supportive role in humanitarian missions towards Palestinian refugees inside the besieged Gaza Strip,” the minister said.
He urged countries that had suspended funding to the agency to u-turn on their decision.
A number of countries pulled financial support for UNRWA after Israel alleged that its employees had links to Hamas and had been involved in the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.
