Saudi FM and US Secretary of State Discuss Gaza Situation

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday morning. The conversation focused on the ongoing situation in Gaza and the exchange deal proposed by US President Joe Biden.

During the call, Minister bin Farhan emphasized Saudi Arabia’s support for efforts aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, and the provision of urgent aid to civilians in Gaza.

President Biden detailed the proposed three-phase deal, which Israel has offered to Hamas militants. He believes it could lead to the release of remaining hostages in Gaza and potentially end the nearly 8-month-old conflict in the Middle East.

The proposed deal’s first phase, lasting six weeks, includes a “full and complete ceasefire,” the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the release of certain hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

The second phase would involve the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and a further withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The third phase envisions the start of a major reconstruction effort in Gaza, addressing the extensive devastation caused by the war.

The phone call between bin Farhan and Blinken underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and seek a resolution to the conflict in Gaza.