Israel-Gaza conflict: Saudi Arabia issues statement on 'high level of violence'

Saudi Arabia is calling for an 'immediate halt' to the escalation of conflict between Palestinians and Israel, urging both sides to exercise restraint.

In a statement released by the Kingdom's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, Saudi Arabia said it is closely following the unprecedented situation, which has resulted in "high level of violence".

At least 22 people were killed and hundreds were reportedly wounded in the Hamas attack, according to Israeli rescue service. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented infiltration into southern Israel, sending fighters across the border and firing thousands of rockets into the country as the ruling Hamas militant group announced the beginning of a new operation.

Saudi Arabia recalls its "repeated warnings of the dangers of the situation exploding as a result of the continued occupation," it said in a statement published in the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

• Israel-Gaza conflict: At least 22 killed in Hamas attack