Saudi Arabia, Pakistan call upon Israel to halt war on Gaza

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have urged Israel to bring its military operations in Gaza to a halt, and reach out for a peaceful solution.

The two Muslim countries made their remarks in a joint statement, which followed a meeting that was held in Mecca between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

They demanded international efforts “to halt Israeli military operations in Gaza, mitigate humanitarian impact and underscored the imperative for the international community to pressure Israel to cease hostilities, adhere to international law, and facilitate unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza”, according to the statement.

The two leaders also discussed the need for a peace process that goes in harmony with the UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, stating it should be “aimed at finding a just and comprehensive solution for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital”.