GCC Welcomes Signing of Jeddah Declaration between Sudanese Parties

Smoke billows in Khartoum amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals, on May 11, 2023. (AFP)
Smoke billows in Khartoum amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals, on May 11, 2023. (AFP)
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GCC Welcomes Signing of Jeddah Declaration between Sudanese Parties

Smoke billows in Khartoum amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals, on May 11, 2023. (AFP)
Smoke billows in Khartoum amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals, on May 11, 2023. (AFP)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi welcomed on Friday the signing of the Jeddah declaration on the commitment to protect civilians.

The agreement was signed between representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces on Thursday

Al-Budaiwi expressed his renewed gratitude for the efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United States, despite all obstacles and difficulties, to bring all parties together and to align their views following a series of meetings on the current crisis.

He hoped that the response of the signatories of the agreement will allow safe passage for humanitarian workers and meet the needs of civilians.

He also hoped they would prioritize the interests and safety of the Sudanese people and that they would work towards consolidating Sudan’s sovereignty and preserve the unity of its institutions and territorial integrity.



Saudi Arabia’s Relief Campaign Continues to Provide Aid in Palestine, Syria

Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)
Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s Relief Campaign Continues to Provide Aid in Palestine, Syria

Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)
Trucks near Jordan’s Jaber Border Crossing en route to the Syrian capital as part of the air and land relief bridges (SPA)

The Saudi Popular Campaign to aid the Palestinian people in Gaza has reached a significant milestone, with donations surpassing SAR714 million (over $190 million) from more than 2.1 million contributors, according to official figures.

Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Saudi Arabia has dispatched 58 relief aircraft loaded with humanitarian supplies, coordinated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Ministry of Defense. The planes have carried shelter materials, food baskets, and medical equipment, all bound for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

Launched in November 2023 under the directive of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the campaign has collected both financial and in-kind donations. Contributions include ambulances, medical supplies, food, baby formula, and dates. The initiative began with a generous personal donation of SAR50 million (more than $13 million) from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

As of March, the total weight of Saudi aid to Gaza via air and sea exceeded 7,188 tons, transported through 58 planes and 8 ships. The aid included shelter items, food and medical supplies, 20 ambulances, 30 power generators, 10 water tanks, and 62 logistical units. Air drops alone delivered over 39,200 ready-to-eat meals and 500 sets of parachute-assisted relief items.

KSrelief has implemented 131 projects in Palestine at a value of more than $514 million. These initiatives have focused heavily on food security, agriculture, health, and shelter, in addition to other sectors.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. On Tuesday, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported the death toll from the Israeli offensive has reached 50,810 since October 7, 2023, with over 115,688 wounded. Since Israel resumed its attacks on March 18, following a two-month ceasefire, 1,449 Palestinians have been killed and 3,647 injured.

In Syria, KSrelief has remained a leading contributor through its “Sahem” donation platform, especially in response to the 2023 earthquake that struck both Syria and Türkiye. Donation opportunities include emergency aid, home reconstruction, and medical support—totaling nearly $140 million.