MWL Condemns Israeli Escalation in Gaza

Muslim World League logo.
Muslim World League logo.
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MWL Condemns Israeli Escalation in Gaza

Muslim World League logo.
Muslim World League logo.

The Muslim World League (MWL) expressed deep concerns over the Israeli military escalation in Gaza Strip, condemning the ground operations undertaken by the occupation forces in the enclave, SPA said on Sunday.

In a statement on Saturday, the MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, denounced this horrific attack, which threatens the lives of the Palestinian civilians and aggravates their humanitarian crisis.

He said the attack turns a deaf ear to all the appeals, warnings and decisions from countries and organizations with regard to the subsequent humanitarian and security risks.

Al-Issa warned of the continuation of such flagrant violations of international laws, religious and humanitarian norms, given the grave repercussions of these violations on the region’s stability and on regional and international peace.

He also called on the international community to shoulder its responsibility and immediately halt this military operation in accordance with the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) issued on Friday, 27 October to protect the innocent civilians and uphold the international humanitarian law.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.