Saudi Arabia's King Salman Bin Abdulaziz has called on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities and take the necessary measures to protect the Palestinian people from the "antagonistic Israeli actions that are a provocation to the feelings of Arabs and Muslims". In his first speech before the Shura Council since he took office in January, King Salman said his country is determined to defend Arab and Islamic issues in international forums. "We are very determined to defend the Palestinian people until we restore their legitimate rights and establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital," he added. King Salman condemned the Israeli escalations and irresponsible actions, the killing of innocent children, women and defenceless civilians, the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the violation of its sanctity, calling for an end to settlement construction. He stressed that his country seeks to "fight terrorism and achieve security and stability in the world, and unity in the face of risks and challenges that surround the Arab and Islamic nations." Internally, King Salman stressed that his country has a clear vision to deal with the decline in oil prices, and is seeking alternative sources of wealth.
