Saudi crown prince renews call for immediate halt to attacks in Gaza at annual Hajj reception.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has renewed the Kingdom’s call for an immediate halt to attacks against Palestinians amid what he described as “the continuation of the heinous crimes against our brothers in Gaza Strip.”

“We urge an immediate halt to this attack, and that the international community take all the measures needed to ensure the protection of lives in Gaza. We also ask that the recent resolutions issued by the UN Security Council regarding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza Strip be heeded,” the crown prince said at the annual reception for officials and dignitaries who were performing Hajj this year.

He also repeated Saudi Arabia’s appeal for the international community to recognize the Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, for its citizens to obtain their legitimate rights and achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Spain, Norway and Ireland last month were the latest countries to formally recognize a Palestinian state in what they announced was a coordinated effort to add international pressure on Israel to soften its devastating response to last year’s Hamas-led attack.

The reception, held on behalf of King Salman at Mina Palace on Monday, was also attended by the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, several princes, senior scholars, senior GCC officials, ministers, the commanders of military sectors, and scouts who performed Hajj this year.

The crown prince congratulated attendees on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha and prayed that God accept the rituals of the pilgrims and help them complete the pilgrimage in safety and with reassurance.

“We thank God for honoring us with serving the Two Holy Mosques and the Holy Sites, taking care of those who visit them, and ensuring their security and safety. We are proud to continue carrying out this great duty, and we are making efforts and harnessing all capabilities to provide comfort for pilgrims from their arrival until their departure,” Prince Mohammed told the gathering.