Iranian, Saudi FMs call for collective action to stop Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza

TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Sunday highlighted the necessity to take regional and international action to immediately stop Israel's attacks against civilians in Gaza.

In a phone call, the two sides discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, calling on the international community to prepare the ground for the constant delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and prevent the forced displacement of its citizens, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

They stressed the need for holding continuous consultations between Tehran and Riyadh.

On the same day, Amir-Abdollahian also exchanged views on Gaza developments with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in a separate phone conversation, the ministry said in another statement.

The Iranian and Qatari foreign ministers emphasized that the Israeli "aggressions" against Gaza must stop immediately, calling for "constant and extensive" aid delivery to the enclave.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct 7, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, to which Israel responded with massive airstrikes, ground operations, and punitive measures, including a siege on the Gaza Strip with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off.

The Israel-Hamas conflict, as it entered the 23rd day, has killed more than 8,000 Palestinians in Gaza and at least 1,400 people in Israel, according to official figures from both sides.