RIYADH, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia condemned Israel's resumption of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, calling for an immediate halt to the attacks.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the direct shelling of civilian areas, emphasizing Israel's disregard for international humanitarian law.
"The kingdom stresses the urgent need for an immediate cessation of Israeli killings, violence, and destruction, as well as the protection of Palestinian civilians from the unjust Israeli war machine," the ministry said.
It also reiterated the call for the international community to take responsibility for alleviating the suffering of Palestinians.
Israeli forces conducted airstrikes across Gaza early on Tuesday, killing at least 413 people, and vowed to escalate the offensive unless Hamas releases hostages held in the enclave.
The strikes broke a ceasefire that had lasted nearly two months, occurring amid indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a potential truce, which could include halting hostilities and securing the release of remaining Israeli hostages. ■
