Saudi Arabia: watching conflict between ‘Israeli occupational forces’ and Palestinians

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Saturday said that it is closely following an “unprecedented situation” between “Israeli occupational forces” and Palestinians after the Palestinian armed group Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel in years. 

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is closely following developments in the unprecedented situation between a number of Palestinian factions and the Israeli occupation forces, which has resulted in a high level of violence taking place on a number of fronts there,” the statement issued by Saudi Arabia’s foreign affairs ministry read.

“The Kingdom calls for an immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, the protection of civilians, and restraint,” the statement added.

“The Kingdom recalls its repeated warnings of the dangers of the explosion of the situation as a result of the continued occupation, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, and the repetition of systematic provocations against its sanctities.”

“The Kingdom renews the call of the international community to assume its responsibilities and activate a credible peace process that leads to the two-state solution to achieve security and peace in the region and protect civilians.

وزارة الخارجية: تتابع المملكة العربية السعودية عن كثب تطورات الأوضاع غير المسبوقة بين عددٍ من الفصائل الفلسطينية وقوات الاحتلال الاسرائيلي، مما نتج عنها ارتفاع مستوى العنف الدائر في عددٍ من الجبهات هناك.#عكاظ https://t.co/JTehHJr0f0 pic.twitter.com/O14DbVtUaK

— عكاظ (@OKAZ_online) October 7, 2023

The Palestinian armed group Hamas on Saturday launched the largest attack on Israel in years, infiltrating areas in the south of the country following a barrage of more than 2,000 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip that killed at least 22 Israelis and wounded hundreds, local media reported, citing medical workers.

Read more: At least 22 Israelis killed as Hamas launches surprise, multi-front attack

The outbreak of major fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters comes after weeks of growing tensions along Israel’s volatile border with Gaza, and months of deadly clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

At least 247 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces so far this year, while 32 Israelis and two foreign nationals have been killed in Palestinian attacks.