**Saudi Crown Prince Condemns Israel's Actions in Gaza as "Genocide"**

In a forceful denunciation, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman labeled Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide" at a summit of Muslim and Arab leaders. This statement marks one of the strongest public criticisms by a Saudi official since the conflict began. The Crown Prince not only condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza but also criticized Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Iran. He further cautioned Israel against targeting Iranian soil, signaling a growing rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The summit saw leaders united in their demand for a total Israeli withdrawal from both the West Bank and Gaza. Echoing this sentiment, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud, condemned the international community for its inability to halt the war in Gaza. He accused Israel of causing widespread starvation in the territory and stated, "Where the international community primarily has failed is ending the immediate conflict and putting an end to Israel's aggression."

The conflict was ignited by Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 others. In retaliation, Israel initiated a military campaign against Hamas, which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has resulted in more than 43,400 deaths in Gaza. A report from the UN’s Human Rights Office indicated that nearly 70% of the verified casualties during a six-month period were women and children.

Summit leaders also condemned Israel for what they described as ongoing attacks against UN personnel and facilities in Gaza. Recently, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation banning Unrwa, the UN Palestinian refugee agency, from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, alleging the agency's collusion with Hamas. This move has drawn serious concerns from multiple countries, including the US and the UK, which fear it will impede aid delivery to Gaza.

Against the backdrop of the summit was the topic of former President Donald Trump's potential return to the White House. Trump, who enjoys favorable views in Saudi Arabia compared to Joe Biden, has a mixed but significant track record in the Middle East. While his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the annexation of the Golan Heights angered many in the Muslim world, he also brokered the Abraham Accords in 2020. These agreements normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, with Sudan also agreeing to follow suit.

An editorial in a prominent Saudi newspaper captured this sentiment, titling its piece: "A new era of hope. Trump’s return and the promise of stability." Such viewpoints indicate that while Trump’s policies have been controversial, his deal-making abilities are seen as a potential path to resolving ongoing conflicts in the region.