Saudi Arabia criticizes Israeli calls for Palestinians to leave Gaza

(Patria) - Saudi Arabia has criticized Israel's call for Palestinians to leave Gaza and condemned the continued targeting of "defenseless civilians", Al Arabiya reported.

The Israeli army warned all civilians in the city of Gaza, more than a million people, to move south within 24 hours, as it gathered tanks near the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected ground invasion.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms its categorical rejection of the calls for the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from Gaza and condemns the continuation of targeting helpless civilians there," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia called on the international community to take swift action to stop any military escalation against civilians and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

"(The international community) must provide the necessary aid and medical needs for the people of Gaza, especially since denying basic necessities for a decent life violates international humanitarian law," the statement said.

Riyadh also warned that failure to do so would worsen the crisis and suffering endured by people in the region.

Saudi Arabia called for an end to the Israeli siege of Gaza, the evacuation of injured civilians, and the advancement of the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, which provides for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.