NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia has affirmed its commitment to the constants of the Palestinian cause represented in ending the Israeli occupation, establishing an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital and guaranteeing the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

This came in Saudi Arabia's speech delivered on Wednesday by Counselor Mohammad Al-Ateeq, Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations, before the UN Security Council's session on "The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian cause ".

Al-Ateeq stressed the importance of comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East as a strategic option to end this conflict, on the basis of the two-state solution, in accordance with international references, the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, return of refugees and putting an end to Israel’s occupation of all Arab territories.

Al-Ateeq said, “Muslims' holy month of Ramadan witnesses the Israeli occupation forces storming Al-Aqsa Mosque, closing its gates and attacking defenseless worshippers inside the mosque and in its outer courtyards.”

He expressed Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation and denunciation of this brutal attack against the sanctities and defenseless Palestinian people.

Al-Ateeq affirmed that this systematic escalation is a blatant attack on the Islamic nation and a violation of relevant international resolutions and covenants.

Al-Ateeq called on the international community, the UN Security Council in particular, to play its role in holding the Israeli occupation forces fully responsible for continuing such crimes and continuous violations against the defenseless Palestinian people, their territories and their sanctities, which will only lead to more violence and security tension in the region.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks adopted by Iran-backed Houthi militia last month against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, stressing its sovereign right to take all necessary measures to defend its territories, citizens and residents against any terrorist threats in accordance with its obligations under international law.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia welcomed the transfer of power by former Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi to the Presidential Leadership Council, in accordance with the Yemeni constitution and GCC initiative and its executive mechanisms to complete the implementation of the tasks of the transitional phase.

He welcomed the swearing-in of the president and members of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council in Aden, stressing Saudi 's full support for the Presidential Leadership Council and its supporting entities to enable it carry out its duties in implementing effective policies and initiatives that would achieve security and stability of Yemen and end the country's crisis. — SPA