Saudi Arabia on Friday strongly condemned radical statements in which an Israeli official called for erasing the occupied West Bank town of Huwara. “The Kingdom completely rejects these racist and irresponsible remarks that reflect the magnitude of violence and extremism practiced by the occupying Israeli entity toward the brotherly Palestinian people,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It also called on the international community to deter these “shameful” practices, end escalation and provide “necessary protection to civilians.” The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi also denounced the Israeli statements. Al-Budaiwi said in a press statement that it is necessary to address the discourse of hatred and violence, and to promote the values of tolerance and human coexistence instead, just as part of efforts being exerted to reduce escalation and ensure stability in the region. The GCC chief called for backing all regional and international efforts to push forward the Middle East peace process and put an end to illegal practices that put the two-state solution in jeopardy.