Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman calls for 'arms embargo' on Israel over Gaza

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has called on all countries to reject forced displacement of Palestinians and cease arms exports to Israel.

Speaking at a virtual BRICS summit, the de-facto Saudi ruler emphasised the necessity of a two-state solution for achieving stability in Palestine and condemned the ongoing military invasion of Gaza.

He also stressed the need for an immediate cessation of Israeli military attacks in Gaza.

“We demand an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza,” Bin Salman said at the summit.

He added that true security and stability in Palestine can only be realised through adhering to international resolutions advocating a two-state solution. 

He highlighted his country’s relief aid to Gaza since the beginning of the war, saying that the kingdom dispatched 15 aircraft loaded with shelter materials, food, ambulances, and other items.

He also noted that a "maritime bridge" was established last week to facilitate further aid delivery.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, chairing the BRICS summit, accused Israel of committing war crimes and "genocide" in Gaza. 

President Ramaphosa condemned Israel's collective punishment of Palestinian civilians, labelling it a war crime, and said the denial of essential supplies like medicine, fuel, food, and water to the residents of Gaza as tantamount to genocide.

Bin Salman's statements come a few weeks Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih had said, in an economic forum on 9 November, that the country had no intention of using its oil as a way  to push for a ceasefire in Gaza. 

The minister also said that talks towards Saudi normalisation with Israel were still under consideration.

The two countries were in advanced talks to normalise relations before the start of the war that has so far killed more than 14,000 Palestinians including nearly 6,000 children, and displaced over a million.