OIC Secretary-General: Hospital Massacre in Gaza a War Crime, State Terrorism

The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized the need to deliver aid to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized the need to deliver aid to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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OIC Secretary-General: Hospital Massacre in Gaza a War Crime, State Terrorism

The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized the need to deliver aid to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized the need to deliver aid to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has emphasized the necessity of lifting the siege on Gaza and establishing humanitarian corridors.

On Wednesday, the top Saudi diplomat called on the international community to take action, reiterating that the Kingdom had repeatedly warned of the danger of the situation deteriorating in the region.

During a conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, the Saudi minister stated that Saudi Arabia reaffirms its rejection of the “repeated aggressions” by Israeli forces in Gaza.

“We have repeatedly warned of the dangers of war and its unpredictable consequences, creating fertile ground for extremism,” noted Prince Faisal.

The Saudi minister further asserted in his speech that the international community must take a responsible stance to protect Palestinians in Gaza, ensure the delivery of aid to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, and underscore the importance of establishing a Palestinian state and implementing international legal resolutions.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha condemned in the strongest terms the horrific massacre committed by Israel by bombing the Al Ahli Baptist Hospital in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.

The bombing had left hundreds of Palestinians dead and wounded, including women and children.

Taha slammed the attack as a war crime, a crime against humanity, and organized state terrorism that deserves accountability.

The secretary-general held Israel accountable for the consequences of its crimes, practices and brutal attacks against the Palestinian people, which contradict all human values and constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

He renewed his call to the international community, especially the UN Security Council, for the need to intervene urgently to stop the war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza and provide international protection for the Palestinian people.

Taha also expressed full solidarity with the Palestinian people and unwavering support for their just struggle to attain their right to self-determination and the establishment of their sovereign independent state.

He stressed the necessity of concerted efforts to halt the unprecedented Israeli aggression and ensure the opening of humanitarian corridors for the facilitation of access to medicines, food supplies, and basic necessities for Gaza.

Taha explained that the OIC had warned on multiple occasions about the dangers of the continued open warfare against the Palestinian people, noting that such occurrences would not persist if there were a legal and political deterrent on the international stage, as well as respect for international law.



Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
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Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.


Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
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Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al Sheikh.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza residents, ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and Israeli escalation in the West Bank. They stressed the importance of the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two sides also underlined the need for the release of Palestinian Authority funds, the protection of the Palestinian banking system, and commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and praised the efforts of the US president.

The two sides affirmed the importance of connecting Gaza to the West Bank and continuing efforts, in coordination with brotherly countries and international partners, to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the realization of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manal Radwan.


Saudi Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Wednesday from Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali.

Discussions stressed the importance of preserving the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia and addressed regional developments and other issues of mutual concern.