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Gulf, Arab Countries, Int’l Organizations Welcome Security Council Resolution on Gaza

The UN Security Council’s session was held to discuss the situation in Gaza. (AP) 
The UN Security Council’s session was held to discuss the situation in Gaza. (AP) 
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Gulf, Arab Countries, Int’l Organizations Welcome Security Council Resolution on Gaza

The UN Security Council’s session was held to discuss the situation in Gaza. (AP) 
The UN Security Council’s session was held to discuss the situation in Gaza. (AP) 

International and regional organizations as well as Arab and Gulf states welcomed on Sunday the United Nations Security Council resolution 2720 that calls for taking urgent steps to immediately allow the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry hoped the move would be a step in the right direction towards reaching a ceasefire and protecting civilians in Gaza.
It reiterated the Kingdom’s call on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and promptly put an end to the systematic violations committed by the Israeli forces against innocent civilians.
The ministry stated that these violations, which involve killings and forced displacement, violate international law and humanitarian laws.
The Security Council on Friday passed resolution 2720 urging steps to allow "safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access" to Gaza and "conditions for a sustainable cessation" of fighting.
Bahrain's Foreign Affairs Ministry commended the efforts of the United Arab Emirates, the Arab member at the UNSC, for presenting the Resolution and ensuring its adoption, noting that it constitutes an important step towards establishing a permanent ceasefire, protecting civilians and creating secure conditions for meeting the necessary humanitarian needs of the population.
It also requested the parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law with regard to the protection of civilians and rejected forced displacement.
“The UAE welcomes the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2720, which requests that the SG appoint a Senior Coordinator for aid deliveries in Gaza and establishes a new UN aid mechanism. Today’s resolution is an important step on the long road ahead. It will enable lifesaving humanitarian assistance to get into Gaza, at scale, and reach those in need,” the UAE Mission to the UN posted on X.
The Sultanate of Oman also welcomed the UN Security Council resolution as constituting progress.
But in an official statement, the Foreign Ministry added that the resolution does not meet the broad international consensus calling for a ceasefire.
The statement said that Oman stresses the need to ensure the continuous and effective flow of humanitarian and relief aid to the entire Gaza Strip.
It also renewed Oman’s call to the Security Council to carry out its responsibilities in implementing all its resolutions relating to the Arab-Israeli conflict in order to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, based on the two-state solution and an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of Arab lands.
Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the UN Security Council Resolution which demands immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip.
The resolution is a significant step towards alleviation of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, but it fell short of calling for immediate cessation of hostilities, the Ministry said in a press release on Friday.
An immediate and durable ceasefire is the sole guarantee for full and effective implementation of today's resolution and stopping the bloodshed in the Strip, it stressed.
The Ministry recalled that the extraordinary joint Arab-Islamic Summit, held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, demanded breaking the siege on Gaza and opening humanitarian corridors under the aegis of the UN to ensure unhindered access of aid to Gazans.
The Ministry reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to working closely with international partners to prepare the ground for a durable ceasefire, protect civilian lives in Gaza, and relaunch a substantive peace process that could lead to Palestinian statehood in keeping with the two-state vision.
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) welcomed the adoption of the resolution, expressing its hope that this resolution will contribute to alleviating the suffering of the people of the Gaza Strip and delivering more aid.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi said in a statement that this resolution that calls for urgent steps to allow the immediate, extensive, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and to create the necessary conditions for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, in addition to the appointment of a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for the Gaza Strip and other paragraphs included in the resolution, are important decisions that will contribute in providing a safe environment for the residents of the Gaza Strip, creating the necessary conditions for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.
Al Budaiwi called on the Israeli entity to quickly implement the resolution and adhere to all United Nations resolutions and the requirements of international humanitarian law to stop targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including hospitals, schools, shelters, and camps.
He also called on the international community and the Security Council, in particular, to assume its responsibilities by imposing an immediate ceasefire and protecting the residents of Gaza from the Israeli attacks that led to the death of more than 20,000 Palestinians and the injury of tens of thousands, the majority of whom are children and women.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the resolution and stressed that the UN resolution is an important step that must be implemented immediately.
In a press release, the OIC called on the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to compel Israel to immediately and fully comply with the provisions of the resolution, to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, protect civilians and workers in the media, medical and humanitarian fields, and not carry out its plan to forcefully displace the Palestinians.
The Jeddah-based organization also renewed its call for an end to the brutal Israeli military aggression and to the destruction, displacement, and genocide to which the Palestinian people are subjected in all the Palestinian territories, but especially in the Gaza Strip.

 

 

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Ten Years of King Salman’s Reign in Saudi Arabia: Reform, Vision, Empowerment, and Growth

King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
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Ten Years of King Salman’s Reign in Saudi Arabia: Reform, Vision, Empowerment, and Growth

King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
King Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)

Throughout his tenure as the governor of Riyadh, King Salman bin Abdulaziz stood out as one of the most connected figures to Saudi Arabia’s corridors of power.
As the 25th son of the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, he earned his father’s trust at an early age and remained a close confidant to all successive Saudi monarchs—Saud, Faisal, Khalid, Fahd, and Abdullah.
Often called the “Ruler of Riyadh,” a unique title among regional governors, King Salman was seen as a natural-born leader. He was also known as the “custodian of the royal family’s secrets,” acting as a trusted advisor and envoy for the monarchy.
On behalf of Saudi kings, King Salman undertook key political tasks, signed agreements with foreign capitals, and represented the Kingdom at major regional and global events, solidifying his role as a respected statesman long before becoming king.
During his long tenure as governor of Riyadh, King Salman bin Abdulaziz cultivated relationships with global leaders, heads of state, and cultural figures, positioning Saudi Arabia’s capital as a hub of international diplomacy.
Under his leadership, Riyadh hosted numerous high-profile visitors, political leaders, summits, and conferences, elevating its role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s strategic decisions.
When King Salman ascended to the throne on January 23, 2015—exactly a decade ago—he assumed the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. His reign has been marked by significant reforms that earned global recognition.
King Salman introduced measures to protect and promote human rights, including laws that strengthened the rights of women, children, people with disabilities, and workers, solidifying his legacy as a reformist leader.
Since King Salman became king in 2015, Saudi Arabia has introduced significant reforms to promote equality and protect human rights. Laws were enacted to safeguard the rights of women, children, people with disabilities, and workers, while providing legal avenues for redress through courts and human rights organizations.
One of the most transformative changes was allowing women to drive. On June 24, 2018, the historic decision took effect after King Salman issued a royal decree in September 2017.
This marked a turning point for women’s freedoms in the Kingdom.
Saudi women also made strides in politics and business. In 2015, they participated in municipal elections for the first time, winning 21 seats. In 2018, women gained the right to start businesses without male guardian approval, register marriages and divorces, and report family matters independently.
That same year, the Kingdom introduced an anti-harassment law, allowed families to attend football matches, and granted women licenses to participate in the Olympics and become pilots.
Women now hold leadership roles, including ambassadorial positions in the US, Norway, and Sweden. Thirteen women were appointed to the Human Rights Commission, making up half its members.
They also entered roles once reserved for men in government and the private sector.
Under King Salman, Saudi Arabia has enacted major reforms, especially in civil rights.
Women now have greater equality, including the right to obtain family records for their children and equal rights in the workplace. Restrictions, such as requiring a woman’s residence to match her husband’s, have also been removed.
These changes earned Riyadh the title of Arab Capital of Women.
A Champion of Culture and History
King Salman is also deeply committed to preserving Saudi history and promoting culture. He has played a pivotal role in documenting the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the Saudi state.
His weekly council serves as a forum for dialogue with scholars and intellectuals, and he chairs key cultural institutions, including the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the King Fahd National Library.
One of his landmark achievements was establishing the “Saudi Arabia: Yesterday and Today” exhibition in the 1980s, which toured over 10 countries, including the US and Canada, showcasing the Kingdom’s heritage and achievements.
Known as a “friend of writers and journalists,” King Salman has long supported cultural initiatives. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman once described him as an avid reader of history who encouraged his children to read by discussing books with them weekly.
A Life of Leadership and Development
Born on December 31, 1935, King Salman grew up in Riyadh, where he received an education in religious and modern sciences. He memorized the Quran by age 10, instilling a sense of discipline and responsibility that shaped his leadership style.
At 19, he became acting governor of Riyadh, and in 1955, its full-time governor. Over five decades, he transformed Riyadh from a small city of 200,000 into a bustling hub of commerce, education, and culture. The city saw the development of modern infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and landmarks.
Beyond urban development, King Salman contributed to humanitarian efforts, chaired relief committees, and strengthened Riyadh’s position as a leading city in the region. His legacy reflects his dedication to progress, culture, and the Kingdom’s advancement.
Saudi Arabia’s Transformation Under King Salman
Since King Salman assumed power in 2015, Saudi Arabia has embarked on a transformative journey of reforms and modernization. Early in his reign, he issued decrees to improve government performance and empower youth leadership. Central to this progress is “Vision 2030,” led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which focuses on diversifying the economy, enhancing services, and improving quality of life while preserving the nation’s heritage.
Preserving Heritage, Modernizing Culture
King Salman has prioritized safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s history. Key sites have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage locations. Historic landmarks have been turned into tourist attractions, while cultural values have been incorporated into education, blending tradition with modernity in Saudi cities.
Social Progress and Youth Empowerment
Saudi society has seen significant changes under King Salman. Young people benefit from scholarships, entrepreneurial support, and innovation programs. Entertainment has flourished with the return of cinemas, theaters, and cultural festivals, fostering creativity and national pride.
Economic Diversification and Digital Growth
Vision 2030 has driven Saudi Arabia toward a more diverse and technology-focused economy. Investments in advanced industries, partnerships with global companies, and digital transformation have positioned the Kingdom as a leader in innovation. Military industries have been localized, creating jobs and boosting national security.
A Global Destination for Events and Business
Saudi Arabia has become a hub for international sports, cultural events, and business gatherings. Hosting global tournaments and festivals has spurred infrastructure improvements and attracted investment. Enhanced transport networks and world-class hospitality services have made the Kingdom a key destination for tourism and commerce.
Vision 2030: A Path to the Future
Vision 2030 has launched major projects in renewable energy, technology, and tourism while fostering environmental sustainability. Under King Salman’s reign, Saudi Arabia is rapidly building a diverse, innovation-driven economy, laying the foundation for a thriving and sustainable future.