On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Saudi Arabia issued a stark warning to the international community, emphasizing that the failure to curb what it described as Israel’s “genocide” in the Gaza Strip poses a severe threat to both regional and global stability. Speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called for immediate and decisive action to end the ongoing conflict, protect civilians, and advance the cause of Palestinian statehood. His address underscored the Kingdom’s growing concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the broader implications of inaction for the Middle East and beyond.
A Call for Global Responsibility
Prince Faisal’s speech was a forceful critique of the international community’s response—or lack thereof—to the escalating crisis in Gaza. “The international community’s inaction in restraining the (Israeli) aggression on Gaza will contribute to destabilizing security and stability regionally and globally,” he declared. His remarks highlighted the ripple effects of the conflict, which has not only devastated Gaza but also strained diplomatic relations, fueled regional tensions, and raised fears of a broader escalation. The foreign minister urged the United Nations to take a more proactive and effective role in conflict resolution, arguing that the world body “needs to become more efficient in reducing conflicts and crises.”
The Saudi diplomat’s call for UN reform reflects a broader sentiment among many nations, particularly in the Global South, that the organization’s mechanisms for addressing conflicts are outdated and often paralyzed by veto powers and geopolitical rivalries. Prince Faisal emphasized that the UN must evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century, particularly in addressing crises like Gaza, where the human toll continues to mount. “We must all act seriously to stop the aggression and guarantee the delivery of aid to Gaza’s residents,” he said, pressing for urgent international measures to protect civilians and establish humanitarian corridors.
The Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza
The situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with the Israeli military’s actions since early October 2023 resulting in unprecedented loss of life and destruction. According to reports, nearly 66,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in the enclave over the past two years. The relentless bombardment has rendered Gaza largely uninhabitable, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, critical infrastructure destroyed, and essential services such as healthcare and water supply decimated. The blockade of Gaza’s crossings, fully enforced by Israel since March 2, 2025, has exacerbated the crisis, blocking food and aid convoys and plunging the population into famine-like conditions.
The blockade has severely restricted the flow of humanitarian aid, with only sporadic deliveries of limited supplies permitted. Compounding the issue, armed groups—allegedly protected by Israeli forces, according to Gaza authorities—have looted many of these convoys, further depriving the population of desperately needed resources. The combination of starvation, disease, and ongoing violence has created a humanitarian disaster of staggering proportions, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations and governments worldwide.
Prince Faisal’s speech underscored the urgency of addressing this crisis, calling for the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure the safe and consistent delivery of aid. He also stressed the need to protect civilians, who have borne the brunt of the conflict. The international community’s failure to act, he warned, risks not only prolonging the suffering in Gaza but also destabilizing the region by fueling resentment, extremism, and further violence.
A Push for Palestinian Statehood
Central to Saudi Arabia’s address was a renewed call for the recognition of Palestinian statehood and the implementation of a two-state solution. Prince Faisal urged all countries to formally recognize the State of Palestine, emphasizing that such recognition is a critical step toward achieving a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “The establishment of a Palestinian state is not only a moral imperative but also a prerequisite for stability in the region,” he said.
The Saudi call came on the heels of a significant development: on Friday, September 26, 2025, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced their recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. This move brought the total number of UN member states recognizing Palestine to 159 out of 193, a figure that reflects growing global support for Palestinian self-determination. The recognition of Palestine by these Western nations marks a notable shift in international sentiment, particularly among countries that have historically been aligned with Israel. The trend began to gain momentum following the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s proclamation of a Palestinian state in Algiers in 1988, and it has continued to build in recent years as the situation in Gaza and the occupied territories deteriorates.
Saudi Arabia’s advocacy for a two-state solution aligns with its long-standing position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Kingdom has consistently supported the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Prince Faisal’s remarks at the UN General Assembly reflect Riyadh’s determination to keep the issue at the forefront of the international agenda, particularly as the Gaza crisis threatens to overshadow broader diplomatic efforts.
Regional Implications: Syria and Lebanon
In addition to addressing the Gaza crisis, Prince Faisal’s speech touched on other pressing regional issues, including the situations in Syria and Lebanon. On Syria, he praised the recent efforts by the Syrian government to stabilize the country following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. Assad’s 24-year rule ended amid a combination of internal dissent, external pressures, and shifting regional dynamics. The new Syrian leadership has prioritized restoring security and rebuilding the country, efforts that Saudi Arabia has endorsed as critical to regional stability.
However, Prince Faisal condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, describing them as violations of Syrian sovereignty. Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria over the years, targeting what it claims are Iranian-linked sites or weapons shipments destined for Hezbollah. These attacks have continued despite the change in Syrian leadership, raising concerns about Israel’s intentions and the potential for further destabilization. Saudi Arabia’s criticism of Israel’s actions reflects a broader regional unease about external interventions in Syrian affairs, particularly as the country seeks to recover from years of conflict.
Turning to Lebanon, Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to strengthen state authority and implement the 1989 Taif Agreement. The Taif Agreement, which ended Lebanon’s civil war, called for the disarmament of all militias and the centralization of weapons under state control. In recent months, Lebanon has taken significant steps toward achieving this goal, with the government approving a plan in early September 2025 to centralize all weapons, including those held by Hezbollah, under the authority of the Lebanese army. The plan, which remains confidential, is set to be implemented by the end of 2025.
The Saudi foreign minister also called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, emphasizing the importance of respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty. Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon, particularly at five border outposts, has been a point of contention since the November 2024 ceasefire that ended a year-long conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The conflict, which began with cross-border attacks in October 2023, escalated into a full-scale Israeli offensive by September 2024, resulting in over 4,000 deaths and approximately 17,000 injuries. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel was required to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 2025. However, its partial withdrawal and continued presence at key outposts have raised concerns about compliance with the agreement and the potential for renewed hostilities.
The Broader Geopolitical Context
Prince Faisal’s address at the UN General Assembly must be understood within the broader geopolitical context of the Middle East, where competing interests, alliances, and conflicts continue to shape the region’s trajectory. Saudi Arabia, as a leading power in the Arab world and a key player in global energy markets, has sought to position itself as a stabilizing force in the region. Its vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon reflects a broader strategy to assert leadership on regional issues while appealing to both domestic and international audiences.
The Kingdom’s emphasis on Palestinian statehood and its support for Syria and Lebanon also align with its efforts to counterbalance Iran’s influence in the region. Iran, a long-standing rival of Saudi Arabia, has been a key supporter of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the former Assad regime in Syria. By backing the new Syrian government and Lebanon’s efforts to centralize authority, Saudi Arabia is signaling its commitment to fostering stability in countries where Iran has historically exerted influence.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia’s call for UN reform and greater international action on Gaza reflects a recognition that regional stability cannot be achieved in isolation. The Kingdom has increasingly sought to engage with global powers, including the United States, China, and the European Union, to address the root causes of conflict in the Middle East. Its advocacy for a two-state solution and its condemnation of Israel’s actions are likely to resonate with many countries in the Global South, as well as with progressive factions in Western nations that have grown increasingly critical of Israel’s policies.
Challenges and Opportunities
The challenges facing the international community in addressing the Gaza crisis and related regional issues are formidable. The humanitarian situation in Gaza demands immediate attention, yet political divisions within the UN Security Council and differing national interests have hindered coordinated action. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has historically vetoed resolutions critical of Israeli actions, complicating efforts to impose sanctions or enforce ceasefires. Meanwhile, the growing number of countries recognizing Palestine suggests a shift in global opinion, but translating this into tangible progress toward a two-state solution remains a daunting task.
For Saudi Arabia, the Gaza crisis presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the Kingdom’s outspoken criticism of Israel risks straining its relations with the United States and other Western allies, particularly at a time when Riyadh is seeking to deepen economic and security partnerships. On the other hand, its leadership on the Palestinian issue enhances its standing in the Arab and Muslim worlds, where public opinion remains strongly supportive of the Palestinian cause.
The situations in Syria and Lebanon also present complex challenges. In Syria, the post-Assad transition is fraught with uncertainty, as competing factions vie for influence and external powers, including Turkey, Russia, and Iran, continue to exert pressure. In Lebanon, the disarmament of Hezbollah and the centralization of weapons under state control are politically sensitive issues that could provoke internal divisions or external interference.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for progress. The growing international recognition of Palestine could pave the way for renewed diplomatic efforts to negotiate a two-state solution. The ceasefire in Lebanon, while fragile, offers a chance to stabilize the country and strengthen its institutions. In Syria, the new government’s efforts to restore security could create a foundation for reconstruction and reconciliation, provided external actors respect the country’s sovereignty.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s address at the 80th UN General Assembly was a powerful call to action, urging the international community to confront the Gaza crisis, support Palestinian statehood, and address regional challenges in Syria and Lebanon. Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s remarks underscored the interconnectedness of these issues, warning that inaction risks destabilizing not only the Middle East but the global order. By advocating for UN reform, humanitarian intervention, and diplomatic solutions, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
As the world grapples with the fallout of the Gaza conflict and its broader implications, the international community faces a critical juncture. The path forward will require bold leadership, cooperation, and a commitment to justice and stability. Saudi Arabia’s message is clear: the time for decisive action is now, and the consequences of failure will be felt far beyond the borders of the Middle East.
