The leaders of Islamic and Arab countries have condemned Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip. They have also called for an immediate ceasefire and continued humanitarian support for the enclave.
The leaders of member nations of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held a joint emergency meeting in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on Saturday. Their aim was to discuss the situation in Gaza and how to show their solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman delivered the opening speech. He stated that his country condemns and categorically rejects what he described as the "barbaric war" against the Palestinian people.
He urged all the participants at the summit to take action to help change the catastrophic situation in Gaza.
Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani implored Israel to immediately stop attacking civilians. He added that his country will continue to try to secure the immediate release of the hostages, who are being held by Hamas.
President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran, which is at odds with Israel and the US, insisted that the United States will be held responsible for what is going on in Gaza. He noted that the US has provided many of the weapons that Israel is using.
He went on to say that Islamic countries should provide the Palestinian people with weapons, so that they can fight against Israel. The president suggested that Iran will extend military assistance to Hamas, the Lebanon-based Shia militant group Hezbollah and others.