Saudi Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel condemned Israeli troops for their use of force against peaceful marches in the Palestinian Gaza Strip and the West Bank, reported the Saudi Press Agency. Speaking before a Human Rights Council meeting on Palestine, he also slammed Israel’s excessive use of force against unarmed civilians that has left more than 100 people dead and 3,000 wounded. Moreover, he noted Israels approval of the construction of 2,070 new settlement units in the occupied West Bank, which he said is a sign of its ongoing hostile acts and violations against the rights of the Palestinian people. He condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli measures in the Gaza Strip, which are tantamount to a collective punishment of the civilian population, singling out its illegal blockade that has led to social, economic and humanitarian crises. The diplomat stressed that alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people is one of the key constants of Saudi Arabias polices. He stated that comprehensive, fair and lasting peace will be achieved only by the full withdrawal of Israel from all Arab territories occupied in 1967 and establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance to the Arab peace initiative and relevant international resolutions. There is no justification for the continuation of this conflict in light of international consensus to resolve it based on the two-state solution, remarked Al-Wasel. He expressed Riyadh’s full support for all international initiatives and efforts aimed at saving the peace process, putting an end to the occupation and ceasing violations against the Palestinian people.