ANKARA: Saudi Arabia will host an extraordinary joint Arab-Islamic summit on Saturday to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip, reported Anadolu Agency.

“Due to the exceptional circumstances in Gaza, the Kingdom has decided to convene an extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh on Saturday,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“This replaces the previously planned emergency Arab Summit and extraordinary Islamic Summit scheduled for the same date.”

The oil-rich kingdom was scheduled to host two summits of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The ministry said the decision to hold the Arab-Islamic summit emphasises the importance of unifying efforts and presenting a unified stance expressing the joint Arab-Islamic will regarding the serious and unprecedented developments in Gaza and the Palestinian territories.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip -- including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship -- since Oct 7.

At least 11,078 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,506 children and 3,027 women.–Bernama-AA