Saudi Arabia is set to host a historic summit aimed at addressing the distressing situation unfolding in Gaza.

The kingdom's foreign ministry announced at the eleventh hour on Friday that it will be convening an 'extraordinary joint gathering' of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League on Saturday.

The decision came after consultations with members of both influential organizations, 'spurring the need for unifying efforts and establishing a collective stance on the escalating crisis.' The summit will bring together member states from across the Islamic and Arab worlds, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq.

A notable inclusion will be Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, marking the first visit by an Iranian president to Saudi Arabia in over a decade.

Raisi, prior to his departure for Riyadh, emphasized the urgency of swift action, stressing that Gaza crisis cannot be reduced to mere rhetoric.

'Gaza is not an arena for words.

It should be for action,' stated President Raisi, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

He firmly believes that the Palestinian issue has transcended geographical boundaries, becoming a matter of global concern.

With condemnation for the Zionist regime's atrocities in Gaza, Raisi vehemently asserted that these acts amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

He further criticized the United States for their passive stance, accusing them of fueling Israel's military machine through their actions, despite publicly claiming to seek de-escalation