Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister: Palestine is Not Issue of Palestinians Alone, It Belongs to Islamic and Arab Nations

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people.
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Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister: Palestine is Not Issue of Palestinians Alone, It Belongs to Islamic and Arab Nations

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), since its establishment, has been firmly standing with the Palestinian people, SPA said on Thursday.

He said the GCC has been supporting the Palestinian cause, rejecting and denouncing hostile policies and actions against the Palestinians. He added that this is a central issue for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its policy in supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.

In his speech, while leading the Kingdom's delegation at the 9th meeting of GCC Ministers for Islamic Affairs and Awqaf held in Muscat, Oman, he emphasized that Palestine is not solely the concern of Palestinians, but a matter that affects all of us. It is a cause that unifies Islamic and Arab nations, as well as humanity as a whole.

He emphasized the importance of bringing this issue to the forefront of our collective consciousness and religious discussions. Additionally, he stressed the need to raise awareness among young people that their personal opinions should not stray from the official positions of their governments. Leaders, being better equipped to handle these matters, should guide their actions and decisions, he noted.

Al-Sheikh said that similar topics should be addressed under the protection of religious, moral and family values in GCC societies, especially in the age of technological advancements, where barriers between countries and societies have diminished.

He acknowledged that there are forces attempting to separate individuals and societies from their religious beliefs and values. These forces manifest through various methods, both explicit and implicit, that encourage rebellion against noble values.

He emphasized the significant responsibility of the ministries of Islamic and religious affairs and awqaf in instilling young people with strong values, morals, and a deep understanding of the Islamic faith.

This is essential in effectively countering this globalized trend with awareness and conviction. He emphasized that achieving this goal can only occur within the family unit, which is the cornerstone of shaping future generations.



Muslim World League Condemns Attack on UNRWA

A general view taken from Jerusalem's Mount of Olives shows the holy city with the Dome of the Rock mosque in the center in the early hours of April 19, 2024. (AFP)
A general view taken from Jerusalem's Mount of Olives shows the holy city with the Dome of the Rock mosque in the center in the early hours of April 19, 2024. (AFP)
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Muslim World League Condemns Attack on UNRWA

A general view taken from Jerusalem's Mount of Olives shows the holy city with the Dome of the Rock mosque in the center in the early hours of April 19, 2024. (AFP)
A general view taken from Jerusalem's Mount of Olives shows the holy city with the Dome of the Rock mosque in the center in the early hours of April 19, 2024. (AFP)

The Muslim World League (MWL) has condemned, in the strongest terms, the savage attack carried out by Israeli settlers on the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied Jerusalem.
In a statement by the Secretariat General, MWL Secretary-General, and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa held the occupation forces accountable for repeating these crimes committed against innocent civilians and workers in humanitarian and relief organizations.

He also called on the international community to take serious and effective action to stop these crimes and the continuous violations of all international and humanitarian laws in the Palestinian territories.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Settlers' Attack on UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied Jerusalem

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Settlers' Attack on UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied Jerusalem
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Settlers' Attack on UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied Jerusalem

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Settlers' Attack on UNRWA Headquarters in Occupied Jerusalem

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s condemnation of the blatant attack carried out by Israeli settlers on the UNRWA headquarters in occupied Jerusalem, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
In a statement, the ministry said the Kingdom holds the Israeli occupation responsible for these crimes committed against defenseless civilians and workers in humanitarian and relief organizations.
The Kingdom urged the international community to exert considerable efforts to halt all violations of the law and to ensure that the Israeli occupation is held accountable for its continuous aggressions, disregarding international laws and norms.

Radical Israeli settlers have been known to carry out attacks on Palestinian communities in response to violence or perceived Israeli plans to restrict settlement activity.


Int’l Conference of Religious Leaders in Kuala Lumpur Seeks to Strengthen Harmony Among Followers

Al-Issa, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and his two deputies during the launch of the Religious Leaders Conference in Kuala Lumpur (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Issa, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and his two deputies during the launch of the Religious Leaders Conference in Kuala Lumpur (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Int’l Conference of Religious Leaders in Kuala Lumpur Seeks to Strengthen Harmony Among Followers

Al-Issa, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and his two deputies during the launch of the Religious Leaders Conference in Kuala Lumpur (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Issa, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and his two deputies during the launch of the Religious Leaders Conference in Kuala Lumpur (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The International Conference of Religious Leaders kicked off in the Malaysian capital on Wednesday, under the patronage of Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, and the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa, and the presence of around 2,000 religious and intellectual figures from 57 countries.
The conference, which was jointly organized by the Malaysian Prime Minister and the MWL, comes within the framework of the efforts to establish a global religious platform that sets a road map for consolidating harmony among followers of religions, who constitute the majority of the world’s population, and solving coexistence problems.
At the beginning of the conference, participants observed a minute of silence in solidarity with Gaza.
Welcoming the audience, Malaysian Minister of Religious Affairs Dato Haj Mohamed Naeem bin Haj Mukhtar, underlined his country’s keenness to support all initiatives that promote unity and harmony among all religions and sects.
He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the MWL Secretary-General, for his cooperation with the Malaysian government to organize the conference, stressing that his country will work to maintain this collaboration in the future.
For his part, Al-Issa delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing that the conference chose a distinguished group of religious leaders active in promoting harmony and concord between followers of religions and confronting extremist ideas, especially the dangers of cultural and civilizational clashes.
He stressed the need for religious leaders who have a “tangible impact and contribute through their sincere and effective efforts to enhancing the peace and harmony of societies.”
In turn, the Prime Minister of Malaysia noted that the conference represented an important opportunity for religious leaders to provide advice, whether on the social or religious aspect, warning against cultural allegations about a civilizational and political clash that seek to divide humanity.
“Let the religious leaders take the place they deserve, and let them be more influential and effective,” he stated, adding: “With the unfortunate events in Gaza, here is an opportunity for religious leaders to take charge and provide advice... If we do not seek justice and charity, what is the value of our faith in our religions?”

 


Türkiye Stresses Support for Kuwait’s Sovereignty, Regional Security

The Emir of Kuwait carried out a state visit to Türkiye (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait carried out a state visit to Türkiye (KUNA)
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Türkiye Stresses Support for Kuwait’s Sovereignty, Regional Security

The Emir of Kuwait carried out a state visit to Türkiye (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait carried out a state visit to Türkiye (KUNA)

Kuwait and Türkiye stressed the importance of the international community, especially the Security Council, fulfilling its responsibilities towards implementing immediate ceasefire decisions, protecting civilians, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to the local population in the Gaza Strip.

In a joint statement, issued at the conclusion of an official visit by the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, to Ankara, Türkiye affirmed its support “for the sovereignty, integrity and regional security of the State of Kuwait.”

The two countries also expressed their intention to develop economic relations, including the volume of bilateral trade exchange, underlining the importance of signing an executive protocol regarding contracts for the purchase of defense industries.

The joint Kuwaiti-Turkish statement said that the two sides held bilateral talks, followed by an extensive discussion session that touched on issues of common interest.

The two sides praised the level of trade and economic relations and the mechanism of bilateral cooperation, including the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, the activity of the Kuwait Investment Authority in Türkiye, in addition to the direct investments of Turkish companies in Kuwait.

The visit saw the signing of six important agreements and memorandums of understanding in the fields of natural disaster management, free zones, residential care and infrastructure, in addition to an MoU on establishing a strategic dialogue at the ministerial level, and an executive protocol regarding contracts for the purchase of defense industries.

Erdogan affirmed “Türkiye’s support for the sovereignty, integrity and regional security of the State of Kuwait.”

Regarding developments in the region, the two countries expressed concern about the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, the crimes committed against the Palestinians, the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and the serious threat facing the city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip that will lead to the forced displacement of the population.

They emphasized the importance of the international community, especially the Security Council, assuming its responsibilities towards implementing immediate ceasefire resolutions.


Saudi Crown Prince, Zelenskiy Discuss Ukrainian-Russian Crisis

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince, Zelenskiy Discuss Ukrainian-Russian Crisis

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a telephone call on Wednesday from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

During the call, they discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern.

They also addressed the ongoing developments and efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.


Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Brazilian President Over Flooding Victims

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Brazilian President Over Flooding Victims

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi leadership sent cables of condolences to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva following the floods that struck the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
Custodian of the Two holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, expressed in separated cables, their deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Brazilian president, the families of the deceased, and the Brazilian people.
They wished for the safe return of the missing and swift recovery of the injured.
Heavy rains and flooding in Rio Grande do Sul last week left many casualties, injuries, and missing persons.


Saudi Armed Forces Participate in EFES-2024 Exercise in Türkiye

The Saudi military units participating in the exercise arrived in Türkiye and were received by high-ranking army officers - SPA
The Saudi military units participating in the exercise arrived in Türkiye and were received by high-ranking army officers - SPA
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Saudi Armed Forces Participate in EFES-2024 Exercise in Türkiye

The Saudi military units participating in the exercise arrived in Türkiye and were received by high-ranking army officers - SPA
The Saudi military units participating in the exercise arrived in Türkiye and were received by high-ranking army officers - SPA

Units from the Saudi Armed Forces are participating in the multinational EFES-2024 military exercise in Izmir, Republic of Türkiye along with other brotherly and friendly countries.
The Saudi military units participating in the exercise arrived in Türkiye and were welcomed by high-ranking army officers, SPA reported.
Head of the Armed Forces Training and Development Authority, Maj. Gen. Adel Al-Balawi, underscored that the participation of Saudi military units in EFES-2024 comes within the support and keenness of the Kingdom's leadership to enhance the capabilities of the Saudi Armed Forces.

He said the exercise aims to exchange expertise, train on planning and coordinating joint operations in a different operational environment, raise the combat efficiency of the participating units, and enhance military cooperation between the participating countries.
He also said that the military units will carry out land and sea Special Forces operations using various modern weapons.


Saudi FM, Jordanian Counterpart Discuss Recent Developments in Rafah, Gaza Strip

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi FM, Jordanian Counterpart Discuss Recent Developments in Rafah, Gaza Strip

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi discussed recent developments in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian city of Rafah during a telephone conversation.

The two sides underscored the imperative of halting the ongoing Israeli military escalation and the danger of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing and its closure to humanitarian aid entering the strip.


OIC Condemns Escalation of Israeli Aggression in Gaza Strip

OIC Condemns Escalation of Israeli Aggression in Gaza Strip
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OIC Condemns Escalation of Israeli Aggression in Gaza Strip

OIC Condemns Escalation of Israeli Aggression in Gaza Strip

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the escalation of the Israeli occupying forces' criminal aggression against Gaza Strip, where it invaded the city of Rafah, which is home to 1.3 million displaced Palestinians, and continues to commit the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people.

It also slammed Israel's attempts at displacing Palestinians from their land, in flagrant violation of all international resolutions and provisional measures requested by the International Court of Justice.
OIC condemned the threats made by the Israeli prime minister who expressed the intention of continuing his country's military aggression in Rafah, irrespective of whether a ceasefire agreement is reached, which is proof of his rejection of all UN resolutions and efforts to achieve a ceasefire, SPA reported.
OIC further warned that an Israeli forces' invasion of Rafah will spell out a humanitarian catastrophe and may lead to destabilization in the region.
The organization renewed its call on the international community to shoulder its responsibility and compel Israel to cease its military aggression and ongoing crimes throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, and to provide international protection for the Palestinian people.


GCC Urges Immediate International Action to Stop Israeli Violations

People search with flashlights by an impact crater at the site of a building that was hit by Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 7, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
People search with flashlights by an impact crater at the site of a building that was hit by Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 7, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
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GCC Urges Immediate International Action to Stop Israeli Violations

People search with flashlights by an impact crater at the site of a building that was hit by Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 7, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
People search with flashlights by an impact crater at the site of a building that was hit by Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 7, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) urged on Tuesday the international community to take immediate and collective action to press Israeli forces to halt their dangerous aggressive violations in the Palestinian Territories and their threat to the lives of innocent civilians.

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi stressed that the “continuation of mob attacks and provocations undermines the chances of peace and fuels the escalating episodes of violence in the region.”

He urged “immediate international intervention to end the crisis.”

Moreover, he said the expansion of Israeli military operations within Palestinian territories, including Rafah in the Gaza Strip, would expose the lives of many Palestinians to risks and directly threaten the security and peace of the entire region.

Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC's s call for an international conference involving all relevant parties to discuss all issues related to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to reach a solution based on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, according to relevant United Nations resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.