Saudi tells Blinken: We reject targeting civilians, disrupting infrastructure in Gaza

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken the kingdom rejects the targeting of civilians and the disruption of infrastructure in Gaza.

In a meeting held yesterday in Riyadh, Bin Salman indicated that “the kingdom seeks to intensify communication and work to calm the situation and stop the escalation in Gaza,” stressing the need to respect international humanitarian law, including lifting the siege on the Strip.

Blinken described the meeting as “very productive”.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken “highlighted the United States’ firm focus on stopping terrorist attacks launched by Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, and preventing the spread of the conflict.”

Blinken’s meeting with Bin Salman came as Israel prepared to begin a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan also met with his American counterpart, and stressed the importance of joint action to avoid the extension of the current crisis, highlighting the necessity of working to protect civilians, establish safe areas and deliver aid to Gaza.

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