Saudi Arabia today issued a sharp condemnation of Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, labeling it "blackmail and collective punishment" in violation of international law. The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry called on the global community to end these "serious Israeli violations," ensure accountability, and resume continuous aid delivery to alleviate Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis. This statement follows Israel’s move to block aid trucks after the expiration of a six-week ceasefire on March 1, a truce initially brokered by Qatar and the U.S. that had allowed limited relief into the war-torn region.

Israel’s aid suspension aims to pressure Hamas into extending the ceasefire’s first phase, a proposal Hamas rejected, accusing Israel of undermining the original deal. The blockade has drawn widespread regional backlash. Egypt and Qatar denounced it as a breach of humanitarian law, while the Organization of Islamic Cooperation called it a "crime against humanity," urging UN intervention. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher labeled the move "alarming," emphasizing that international law mandates aid access.

Saudi Arabia’s stance aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent advocacy for Palestinian rights, reflecting both regional solidarity and domestic sentiment. As Gaza faces starvation and infrastructure collapse, the Kingdom’s call underscores mounting frustration with Israel’s tactics. With no immediate resolution in sight, the crisis threatens to escalate tensions further, potentially impacting global markets and regional stability as ceasefire talks falter.