CAIRO: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Sunday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to allow for the entry of humanitarian aid and to pave the way for a political solution to the crisis based on a two-state solution.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri in Cairo, the prince said: “Today, we discussed the mechanisms of cooperation and the situation in Palestine.”

The two men had earlier chaired the Egyptian-Saudi Follow-up and Political Consultation Committee meeting, which included a review of their nations’ efforts at economic integration and removing obstacles to investment.

Egypt’s foreign spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zaid said on X: “Intensive consultations are on the agenda of the delegations of Egypt and Saudi Arabia to develop mechanisms for cooperation at all political, economic, security and cultural levels and coordination regarding international and regional issues, especially the situation in Gaza.”

Prince Faisal said that recent events in the region had shown the importance of stabilizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

“We will continue to work with Egypt to resolve the current crisis in Gaza and international action must be implemented to resolve the crisis,” he said.

He also urged Israel to abide by international law and said Saudi Arabia rejected the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, which was a violation of such legislation.

Shoukry renewed Egypt’s call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to allow for the safe entry of humanitarian aid.

He said the meeting covered several topics, including the recent developments in the Red Sea, and urged all parties to respect international trade laws and freedom of navigation.

Shoukry said also he was surprised and “deeply concerned” by the decision of several countries to suspend their funding for UNRWA, the UN agency that supports Palestinian refugees, as it would lead only to more suffering.

“Is this action linked to the policy of collective punishment used against civilians in Gaza? These are questions we can continue to ask,” he said.