Saudi Arabia has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, urging the UN Security Council to intervene to halt Israel’s “aggressive policies” against the Palestinian people and their land. 

The kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the displacement is in “flagrant violation of international laws, principles, and the most basic humanitarian standards.”

Israel is pushing ahead with a plan to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, the largest city in the territory.

The ongoing assault on Gaza City threatens to displace nearly one million Palestinians, nearly half of the territory’s population. Despite Israel’s forced evacuation orders, many displaced families remain trapped in the city.

The Saudi foreign ministry underscored “the necessity for the international community, especially the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to intervene to halt Israel’s aggressive policies against the Palestinian people and their land.”