Riyadh, April 11, 2025 – Saudi Arabia has called for “maximum pressure” on Israel to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, as the region grapples with a severe crisis triggered by an ongoing blockade.
The statement, made by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan following a meeting with regional counterparts in Antalya, Turkey, on April 11, underscores growing international alarm over Gaza’s deteriorating conditions.
Speaking at the diplomatic gathering, Farhan demanded “the exercise of maximum pressure to ensure the continuous and sufficient flow of aid into the Strip,” highlighting the blockade’s devastating impact. Israel’s restrictions, intensified since early March with all crossings closed on March 2, have blocked essential supplies, including food, medicine, water, and fuel, plunging Gaza into what humanitarian agencies describe as an imminent famine.
Read More: Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill Women and Children, UN Report.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that 60,000 children are suffering from severe malnutrition, with polio vaccinations halted and 21 nutrition centers shuttered. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned that nearly 400,000 people have been displaced amid the blockade, the longest since the conflict’s onset.
Relentless bombardment has destroyed 72% of homes, most schools, and hospitals, leaving over 50,000 dead and 115,000 wounded, predominantly women and children, according to local authorities.
Saudi Arabia’s call comes against a backdrop of stalled normalization talks with Israel. The kingdom has reiterated that it will not establish ties without the creation of an independent Palestinian state, a stance reaffirmed in response to recent U.S. claims suggesting otherwise.
This position aligns with broader Arab sentiment, with countries like Egypt and Jordan also rejecting proposals to displace Palestinians from Gaza.
The blockade has drawn sharp criticism globally. UNRWA, banned from operating in Gaza since early 2025, emphasized the urgent need for fuel to power hospitals, water pumps, and aid trucks, warning of a “total breakdown” in services without it. Humanitarian groups, including Oxfam, have condemned Israel’s use of aid as a “bargaining chip,” calling it a violation of international law.
Saudi Arabia’s push for pressure reflects a broader diplomatic effort to address Gaza’s plight. The kingdom previously urged the international community in March to restore electricity and aid flow, condemning Israel’s collective punishment tactics. Farhan’s latest remarks signal an escalation in tone, urging global action to avert further catastrophe.
As Gaza faces mounting starvation and displacement, the international community is under increasing scrutiny to respond. Saudi Arabia’s call may galvanize further diplomatic efforts, though the path to easing the blockade remains fraught amid ongoing tensions and conflicting regional agendas.
This is Kyle Thomas, a professional writer, and a news editor. I started my career as a blogger who writes on various topics and then I decided that I should join a NEWS agency where I can work as a NEWS reporter. So, I joined a renowned agency in the town as an internet and after getting 2 years of experience, now I am working as a senior NEWS reporter for The Daily NEWS Times.
