Saudi Arabia called on Monday for an end to the “catastrophic” situation in Gaza in wake of Israel’s war on the enclave.
On behalf of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah participated in the first session of the second day of the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro.
Prince Faisal stressed that the grave crises around the world serve as a reminder of shared responsibilities and the urgent need to avoid escalation to maintain security and prevent the expansion of conflicts.
On Gaza, he condemned the Israeli attacks on health infrastructure and the targeting of civilians, describing them as “blatant violations of international humanitarian law and a direct challenge to the rules-based international order”.
Prince Faisal called on the international community “to shoulder its responsibilities in ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians”.
“The humanitarian suffering in Gaza cannot be overlooked,” he said, urging “serious international efforts to end the crisis and achieve a lasting, comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with international law.”
The Kingdom is attending the summit as an invited country to join the BRICS group. The session was titled: Environment, United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), and Global Health.
Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of boosting cooperation in the fields of climate and health, reiterating the Kingdom’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. He called for a practical and balanced approach that considers the diverse circumstances of different countries.
He further noted that the Kingdom, as one of the countries facing water scarcity, has developed advanced methods and technologies to manage environmental and water resource challenges. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's leadership in establishing the Global Water Organization, which aims to ensure equitable access to this vital resource.
On the health sector, Prince Faisal stated that Saudi Vision 2030 includes comprehensive reforms focused on prevention and integrated care. He also reviewed the Kingdom’s expertise in managing large gatherings such as Hajj and Umrah and in developing planning and early warning systems, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for health emergency preparedness and response in accordance with international standards.
