Saudi Arabia, US Urge Sudan’s Warring Parties to Commit to Ceasefire

Smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum (File Photo: Reuters)
Smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum (File Photo: Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia, US Urge Sudan’s Warring Parties to Commit to Ceasefire

Smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum (File Photo: Reuters)
Smoke rises above buildings after aerial bombardment during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum (File Photo: Reuters)

Saudi Arabia and the US urged Sudan’s warring parties to fully abide by their commitments under the agreement for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief.

Riyadh and Washington reaffirmed the importance of the agreement on a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements in Sudan by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

“After five weeks of continued conflict, the Sudanese people badly need the humanitarian assistance and restored essential services that the short-term ceasefire is intended to enable.”

The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement Wednesday indicating that the facilitators noted with concern that neither side observed its commitment not to seek military advantage during the 48 hours after the agreement was signed and before it went into effect.

The statement noted that while fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense than in recent days, Saudi Arabia and the US "conveyed to the parties reports indicating that both sides violated the agreement, including offensive operations in Khartoum and El-Obeid, airstrikes, and use of artillery."

It noted that representatives on the Ceasefire Monitoring and Coordination committee in Jeddah engaged constructively on humanitarian assistance deliveries and engaged the respective warring sides to address “allegations of ceasefire violations as the Committee seeks to verify the reports.”

It asserted that preparations for humanitarian assistance movements to deliver lifesaving assistance are underway.

Saudi Arabia and the US reiterated their commitment to the Sudanese people who continue to suffer due to this devastating conflict.

As the conflict continues to impact many Sudanese, Saudi Arabia, and the US, the statement said, “demand that the parties fully abide by their commitments under this Agreement for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief.”



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.