Lebanon’s Mufti: Saudi Efforts in Promoting Moderation are Countless, Endless

Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian. (NNA)
Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian. (NNA)
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Lebanon’s Mufti: Saudi Efforts in Promoting Moderation are Countless, Endless

Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian. (NNA)
Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian. (NNA)

Grand Mufti of Lebanon Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian has underlined on Friday the importance of the international Islamic conference that will be held in the Holy City of Makkah on August 13.

He said the conference will have a major role in enhancing bonds among Islamic nations, highlighting the countless and endless efforts being exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in promoting the values of peace, tolerance, moderation and co-existence.

Derian’s remarks came in a press statement marking the upcoming international conference to be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, SPA said.

He also underlined the Kingdom’s efforts in supporting Islamic causes and promoting joint Arab and Islamic action under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince .

Titled, “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” the conference is organized in Makkah by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

The event will be attended by scholars, muftis and heads of Islamic associations and sheikhdoms from 85 countries.



UN: Lifelines Keeping People Alive in Gaza Are Collapsing

21 July 2025, Palestinian Territories, Gaza: Mourners pray near the bodies of Palestinians killed in overnight Israeli strikes, according to medics, during the funeral at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Photo: Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
21 July 2025, Palestinian Territories, Gaza: Mourners pray near the bodies of Palestinians killed in overnight Israeli strikes, according to medics, during the funeral at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Photo: Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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UN: Lifelines Keeping People Alive in Gaza Are Collapsing

21 July 2025, Palestinian Territories, Gaza: Mourners pray near the bodies of Palestinians killed in overnight Israeli strikes, according to medics, during the funeral at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Photo: Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
21 July 2025, Palestinian Territories, Gaza: Mourners pray near the bodies of Palestinians killed in overnight Israeli strikes, according to medics, during the funeral at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Photo: Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is appalled by an accelerating breakdown of humanitarian conditions in Gaza "where the last lifelines keeping people alive are collapsing," his spokesperson said on Monday.

"He deplores the growing reports of children and adults suffering from malnutrition," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

"Israel has the obligation to allow and facilitate by all the means at its disposal the humanitarian relief provided by the United Nations and by other humanitarian organizations."

Israeli ground troops for the first time Monday pushed into areas of a central Gaza city where several aid groups are based, in what appeared to be the latest effort to carve up the Palestinian territory with military corridors.

Deir al-Balah is the only Gaza city that has not seen major ground operations or suffered widespread devastation in 21 months of war, leading to speculation that the Hamas militant group holds large numbers of hostages there. The main group representing hostages’ families said it was “shocked and alarmed” by the incursion, which was confirmed by an Israeli military official, and demanded answers from Israeli leaders.

Israel says the seizure of territory in Gaza is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages, but it is a major point of contention in ongoing ceasefire talks.

The UN food agency, meanwhile, accused Israeli forces of firing on a crowd of Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid over the weekend. Gaza's Health Ministry called it one of the deadliest attacks on aid-seekers in the war that has driven the territory to the brink of famine.