Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has accused Israel of carrying out “collective genocide” in Gaza, in some of his strongest criticism of the country since the war began last year.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made the comment in remarks at a summit of representatives of Arab and Islamic nations in Riyadh, state media said.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince and de facto ruler condemned what he called the "genocide" committed by Israel against Palestinians when he spoke at a summit of Muslim and Arab leaders on Monday. "The Kingdom renews its condemnation and categorical rejection of the genocide committed by Israel against the brotherly Palestinian people,

The comments come as a deal seems increasingly remote, with fellow Gulf state Qatar halting its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas.