Saudi Govt Renews Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Renews Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday the Kingdom’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The government also called holding to account those responsible for the “violations and brutal, inhumane acts committed by the Israeli occupying forces against unarmed civilians, healthcare facilities, and relief teams.”

The cabinet was briefed on the recent talks held by Saudi officials with representatives of a number of countries, as well as the message Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received from the president of Kenya.

The cabinet commended the positive outcome of the SAUDI-CARICOM Summit, acknowledging its significance to bolstering relations between these countries at both multilateral and bilateral levels, boosting cooperation in various fields and strengthening efforts to combat climate change, preserve the environment, and support sustainable clean energy initiatives.

The cabinet highlighted that the summits hosted by the Kingdom so far this year are testimony to its esteemed status and global recognition. They reflect Saudi commitment to enhancing relationships with other nations and international blocs, as well as its crucial role in promoting security, stability and prosperity in the region, and the world as a whole.

The cabinet deemed the re-election of Saudi Arabia as a member of UNESCO's Executive Council for the 2023-2027 term a recognition of its efforts in international cooperation and of its endeavors to attain its strategic goals and play a vital role in joint action.

The cabinet reviewed the most significant developments in the national economy and the drop in inflation for the fifth consecutive month, which reflects the robustness of the economy and the effectiveness of actions aimed at addressing the global increase of inflation.

It also applauded the new discoveries of natural gas in the Eastern Region and the Empty Quarter by the Saudi Aramco, which will contribute to boosting the reserves of resources and bolster Saudi Arabia's leading status in the international energy sector.



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.