OIC Expresses Dismay at Security Council’s Failure to Reach Ceasefire in Gaza

Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023.  EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023. EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
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OIC Expresses Dismay at Security Council’s Failure to Reach Ceasefire in Gaza

Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023.  EPA/HAITHAM IMAD
Smoke rises over Khan Yunis following Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip, 9 December 2023. EPA/HAITHAM IMAD

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Ibrahim Taha, expressed dismay on Saturday after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a crucial ceasefire resolution on the Gaza Strip.

“He sees this failure as a detrimental reflection on the Council's vital role in upholding global peace, safeguarding civilians, and halting the deteriorating humanitarian crisis caused by relentless Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Taha cautioned that the Security Council's inaction allows the Israeli occupation to persist in and intensify its assaults on the Palestinian population,” SPA said.

He praised the nations that supported the draft resolution and stressed the necessity of ongoing efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, and provide international protection for Palestinians.



Saudi Arabia Says Now Is Time for Syria’s Stability and Revival

The Saudi and Syrian delegations are seen at the meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Syrian delegations are seen at the meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Says Now Is Time for Syria’s Stability and Revival

The Saudi and Syrian delegations are seen at the meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Syrian delegations are seen at the meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said on Thursday that “it is about time for Syria to become stable,” underlining the need for its revival and for it to benefit from its own capabilities, most significantly its “brotherly people.”

He received in Riyadh a delegation from the new Syrian administration that included Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra.

Talks focused on the developments in Syria and ways to support its political transition to meet the aspirations of the people and ensure the country’s security, stability and territorial integrity.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is seen at the meeting on Thursday. (SPA)

In a post on the X platform, Prince Khalid said he held a “productive” meeting with the Syrian delegation.

“Our brothers and sisters in Syria have suffered from wars, destruction and challenging living conditions,” he added.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah also held a separate meeting with Shibani.

Syrian Defense Minister Asaad al-Shibani during the meeting with Prince Khalid. (SPA)

Shibani had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday on his first foreign visit since assuming his post.

His accompanying delegation also included chief of intelligence Anas Khattab.

In a post on X, Shibani hoped the visit would “open a new chapter in ties” between Syria and the Kingdom.