Prince Turki Al Faisal, Saudi Arabia's intelligence chief for more than two decades, also said he hoped Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

His comments at the Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain follow increasingly tough statements from Saudi officials since talks were paused on a potential normalisation of ties with Israel after the start of the Gaza war.

"Israel today, according to international human rights groups, is not only an apartheid colonial state, but it is also a genocidal one," Prince Turki said.

"It is committing genocide on the people of Gaza."

He added: "It's about time for the world to... take the necessary steps to bring those who the International Criminal Court charges to justice."

The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant last month on suspicion of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Prince Turki, also a former Saudi ambassador to the US, said Trump's "strong mandate" from American voters "can enable him to provide the statesmanship that is highly needed in the world.

"Friendly countries in the region are hoping that Mr. Trump pursues what he started before, to bring peace with capital letters to the Middle East," he said.

"It is time for America, under your presidency, to change the course of this troubled region," he added.