Saudi, UK foreign ministers hold talks on Gaza issue

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone conversation with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Sunday to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two officials discussed the need to halt Israeli attacks and violations and explored ways to end the suffering of Gaza’s residents. The call coincided with a UN Security Council meeting on the crisis, convened at the request of the UK and other nations.

At the meeting, the UK, joined by Denmark, France, Greece and Slovenia, urged Israel to reverse its decision to expand military operations in Gaza, warning the move would worsen Palestinian hardship, deepen the humanitarian crisis and put hostages at greater risk.

UK representative James Kariuki said the expanded offensive would not secure the release of hostages held by Hamas since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks and reiterated demands for their unconditional release. He stressed that Hamas should disarm and play no role in Gaza’s governance, which he said should be led by the Palestinian Authority.

Kariuki also called for Israel to lift aid restrictions, open all land crossings for essential supplies and allow humanitarian agencies full access. He noted that the UK has allocated an additional $11.4 million in humanitarian funding for Gaza and urged both sides to engage in good-faith negotiations toward a ceasefire and a two-state solution, describing it as the only path to lasting peace.