Saudi Arabia and France issued a joint statement emphasizing that “ending the war in Gaza and ensuring the release of all hostages” is their “absolute priority,” while warning that “any form of annexation is a redline” in what appears to be a direct caution to Israel against retaliatory actions following the recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries.

The statement, released after a high-profile meeting at the United Nations, highlighted the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza amid the intensifying Israeli ground offensive in Gaza City. Civilians and hostages, it said, are “paying an unjustifiable price due to the ongoing war.”

“It is now time for the international community to move from words to deeds,” the statement said, welcoming recent recognition of a Palestinian state by a number of nations.

The two countries called for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the exchange of prisoners, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Saudi Arabia and France also pledged to support a “temporary international stabilization mission upon invitation by the Palestinian Authority” and to increase training commitments for Palestinian security forces.

The statement stressed the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

“In the context of ending the war in Gaza, we reiterate that Hamas must end its rule in Gaza, disarm, and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign Palestinian State,” it said.

The two nations commended Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for his historic commitments to a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian question, continued rejection of violence and terrorism, and assurances that the Palestinian state will not be militarized. They also welcomed reforms undertaken by the PA, including ending the pay-to-slay system, reforms in the education sector, and a commitment to hold free elections within a year of a ceasefire.

The statement urged Israeli leadership to seize “this opportunity for peace” and to publicly reaffirm its commitment to a two-state solution, while calling for an immediate end to settlement activity and settler violence.

“We reiterate that any form of annexation is a redline for the international community, bearing serious consequences and constituting a direct risk to existing and future peace agreements,” the statement said.