GCC, Arab Parliament Condemn Statements by Israeli Occupation Govt's Minister on Nuking Gaza

Fire and smoke covering buildings in Gaza after Israeli strikes (The AP)
Fire and smoke covering buildings in Gaza after Israeli strikes (The AP)
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GCC, Arab Parliament Condemn Statements by Israeli Occupation Govt's Minister on Nuking Gaza

Fire and smoke covering buildings in Gaza after Israeli strikes (The AP)
Fire and smoke covering buildings in Gaza after Israeli strikes (The AP)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General, Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, said that the dangerous statements by an Israeli minister in the occupying government on the use of a nuclear bomb on Gaza underscore the extremism of the Zionist occupation against the Palestinian people.
"The dangerous statements by a minister in the Israeli occupying government regarding the use of a nuclear bomb on Gaza are a call for genocide, confirming the extremism and brutality of the Zionist occupation against the Palestinian people, and its grave and ongoing violations in Gaza, along with its disregard for the lives of innocent civilians," Albudaiwi said, SPA reported.

The GCC Secretary-General called for holding the Israeli government accountable for this reckless threat.
He strongly condemned these unbalanced statements and actions, which could exacerbate the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip and underscore the Israeli occupation's intent to persist in this attack in violation of all international conventions, norms, and laws.

Also, The Arab Parliament (AP) has condemned the statements made by the Israeli Minister, describing them as barbaric, confirming the criminal and racist nature of the occupying forces, and their blatant disregard of all international laws and norms.

The AP emphasized that the oppressive occupying force would not have been able to commit such criminal acts and threaten to use weapons of mass destruction if it were not for the shameful silence that still prevails in the international community.
This silence persists despite the genocidal and racist war waged by the occupying force against the Palestinian people, the AP said.
Moreover, the AP called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to fulfill its international responsibilities, condemn these statements as an official acknowledgement by the occupation Israeli government of its possession of nuclear weapons, and officially record it.

For their part, the Muslim World League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also slammed the Israeli statements.

The MWL released statements denouncing in the strongest terms the israeli statement, which reflects the level of audacity and barbarism.
The MWL called on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards the horrifying disasters in the Gaza Strip, especially with their continuing catastrophic repercussions.

OIC also condemned the racist remarks made by the Israeli Heritage Minister, saying his remarks reflect extremism, hate speech, incitement to violence, organized terrorism, and the ongoing genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation against Palestinian civilians daily, in clear defiance of international law, conventions, and resolutions.
The OIC also emphasized that this speech is unacceptable and an extension of an extremist terrorist ideology.
Moreover, it called for condemnation from the international community and the implementation of effective measures to halt the military aggression, daily massacres, and genocide conducted by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people.



Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
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Mina Camp Opens for Hajj Pilgrims ahead of Day of Arafat

A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)
A view of the Mina camp. (SPA)

Pilgrims began streaming into the valley of Mina early Tuesday to mark the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage, spending the Day of Tarwiyah on Wednesday in line with the traditions of the Prophet Mohammed.

White tents have been prepared to receive the faithful, as Saudi authorities roll out a wide range of services to ensure pilgrims can perform their rituals safely and smoothly.

Crowds will swell further on Thursday, when some 2.5 million worshippers are expected to converge on Mount Arafat – the pinnacle of the Hajj – for the most sacred rite of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims will listen to the Day of Arafat sermon and perform shortened noon and afternoon prayers before departing at sunset.

Strict measures

The Ministry of Interior reminded the public that access to the holy sites is restricted to those with official Hajj permits. Security forces, backed by aerial surveillance, are deployed across main highways, mountain paths, and rural roads to intercept unauthorized entrants and enforce regulations.

Authorities warned that transporting pilgrims without permits is a punishable offense. Entry points into Makkah and the holy sites are tightly monitored to prevent violations, with penalties in place for anyone attempting to bypass security measures.

Safety protocols in place

Regulations also prohibit raising political or sectarian flags and chanting slogans within the holy sites. Pilgrims are instructed not to block walkways or sit along designated pedestrian routes.

Worshippers are urged to carry personal identification, wear face masks within the Grand Mosque and holy sites, and avoid bringing sharp objects, oversized luggage, or extra garments such as blankets and spare Ihram clothes into the Haram.

Saudi Arabia, which has ramped up preparations to host one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, says these measures are vital to ensure the safety, security, and spiritual focus of the Hajj.

Tightened regulations

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, underscored the importance of compliance with official guidelines for movement within the holy sites, stressing that such measures are crucial to safeguarding pilgrims and ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience.

“This year, there will be strict enforcement to verify that every pilgrim holds a valid Hajj permit,” Al-Rabiah said, underscoring efforts to boost the overall quality and safety of the pilgrimage.

He also emphasized the significance of the Nusuk card, calling it a key tool in organizing pilgrim movements. “Anyone without the card will not be allowed entry into the Grand Mosque, the holy sites, or access to transportation,” he stressed.

Health conditions ‘reassuring’

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Ministry of Health spokesperson Eng. Khaled Al-Taleb announced that the overall health situation among pilgrims is stable and reassuring.

More than 50,000 medical and technical staff are deployed this season, supported by three mobile field hospitals and 71 emergency response stations. The ministry has also increased hospital bed capacity by 60% compared to last year, and has delivered over 98,000 healthcare services so far.