Saudi FM, Blinken Discuss Developments in Gaza

The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken
The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken
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Saudi FM, Blinken Discuss Developments in Gaza

The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken
The Saudi Foreign Minister and Blinken

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met in Washington on Saturday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss bilateral relations, developments in the Gaza Strip, and several other regional issues of common concern.
Prince Faisal stressed the need to take urgent steps to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, and make all possible efforts to de-escalate the situation and ensure that the violence does not expand with dangerous repercussions on international peace and security.
He also stressed the need to create conditions for the return of stability and to restore the path of peace, to ensure that the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights, as well as to exert more efforts to secure relief corridors to deliver urgently needed humanitarian, food and medical aid to Gaza Strip.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz and Director General of the Foreign Minister's Office Abdulrahman Al-Dawood.



Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned on Friday of heavy rains in Makkah and Al-Jumum Governorate including the centers of Rahat and Madrakah.

The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, torrents, and thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions will continue until Friday night.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, intensified cleaning and drying of the Mataf area (circumambulation track) after the rainfall witnessed in Makkah on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and Umrah performers.

The authority mobilized more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain.

To ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning process, water suction and washing equipment were strategically distributed both inside and outside the Grand Mosque.