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Arab-African Summit in Saudi Arabia Postponed Due to Developments in Gaza

Destroyed structures in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, 07 November 2023. (EPA)
Destroyed structures in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, 07 November 2023. (EPA)
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Arab-African Summit in Saudi Arabia Postponed Due to Developments in Gaza

Destroyed structures in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, 07 November 2023. (EPA)
Destroyed structures in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, 07 November 2023. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday the postponement of the fifth Arab-African summit due to the developments in Gaza. The summit was scheduled to be held in Riyadh on Saturday

Emergency Arab and Islamic summits are being held in Riyadh on Saturday and Sunday respectively to tackle the conflict.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said it had coordinated with the Arab League and African Union to postpone the summit.

It hoped that the political developments in the region would not impact the Arab-African partnership.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit described the situation Gaza as “catastrophic”, condemning the violation of all Palestinian rights by Israeli forces.

Aboul Gheit met with UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk in Cairo on Tuesday. He said trust has been lost in international humanitarian law “given the daily massacres committed by the occupation forces”.

“The western world needs to realize the severity of the situation,” he added, warning of its consequences on the future of the Middle East and beyond.

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Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced Monday fines on individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform the Hajj, as well as for those who facilitate such violations.

Starting from April 29 until the end of June 10, the following fines will apply:

First, a fine of up to SAR20,000 will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform the Hajj without a permit, and on holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or stay in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

Second, a fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform the Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period. The fine will multiply for each individual involved.

The same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites. This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay. The fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

Third, illegal infiltrators attempting to perform the Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

Fourth, the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.