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 timing of the Saudi Crown Prince’s statements aim to grab the attention of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, according to CNN’s Nic Robertson.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Monday that Israel was committing "genocide" against Palestinians and urged the international community to halt the country's "attacks on the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples.

The Saudi Crown Prince was speaking at a summit of Muslim and Arab leaders and also criticised Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Iran.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has publicly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza as “genocide,” issuing some of the most severe criticism of Israel by a Saudi official since the conflict began.