RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji participated in the UN Security Council’s open debate, “The Situation in the Middle East,” in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. In his speech, Elkhereiji said that the situation in Gaza is worsening due to indiscriminate bombing by the Israeli army, leading to an increasing number of casualties. He called for immediate, concrete action to halt the killing of unarmed civilians in Gaza, emphasizing the international community’s shared responsibility in taking measures to bring the conflict to an end. He also highlighted that Saudi Arabia had warned about the danger of the conflict expanding, affecting regional and international security, and said that alleviating human suffering and ending military operations in Palestine are the Kingdom’s top priorities. Elkhereiji also expressed concern about the military operations in the Red Sea region and Yemen. He underscored the need to take measures to contain the repercussions of the crisis on neighboring countries, protect international peace and security, and achieve a just and lasting solution. Rejecting Israel’s self-defense excuse, Elkhereiji said that the forced displacement of the population of Gaza is unacceptable and condemned the disregard for Palestinian lives and the recurring violence against them with no prospect of positive change in the near future. He reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting peace in the region. Saudi Arabia, he said, strongly condemns violations of international humanitarian law by any party and asks the council to take a firm stance and compel Israeli occupation forces to respect international law and end the suffering of the Palestinians, as well as to establish an independent Palestinian state that safeguards the rights and dignity of its people. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also briefed the council on the latest developments in Gaza, including the destruction wreaked on the strip by Israeli bombardment, calling for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds. He also called for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Guterres asserted that a two-state solution meets the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians and is the only way to achieve a lasting end to the conflict.