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Borrell Describes Israeli Calls to Destroy UNRWA as Madness

Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Josep Borrell in AlUla (SPA)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Josep Borrell in AlUla (SPA)
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Borrell Describes Israeli Calls to Destroy UNRWA as Madness

Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Josep Borrell in AlUla (SPA)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Josep Borrell in AlUla (SPA)

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said that EU countries were considering imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers who practice violence against Palestinians, indicating that fears of the expansion of the conflict in the region were still high.

In press statements before his departure from Riyadh, on Monday evening, he stressed that the situation in the West Bank was completely unacceptable, noting that he submitted a proposal to the European Union countries to impose sanctions on settlers who commit violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

“Let’s see if the EU countries are ready to adopt that!” He remarked, adding: “We know that they are ready to put sanctions on [Hamas]; but are they ready to impose sanctions on the violence practiced against Palestinians in the West Bank, let us see.”

Borrell described some Israeli calls to destroy UNRWA as irrational, expressing concerns over some “unacceptable positions” in the Israeli government and society (...)”

“This is a United Nations organization. 140 UNRWA employees were killed in Gaza, and this the most important time to help the Palestinians. How can someone say Israel must destroy UNRWA? What kind of madness is this?” he stated.

The EU foreign policy chief warned of the high risk of escalation in the region. He explained that about 85 percent of the population of Gaza were forced to flee, and more than a million people were without shelter, while more than 200,000 people were in real danger as a result of hunger.

Commenting on his meeting with a leader from Hezbollah during his visit to Beirut, Borrell confirmed that he sensed a lack of desire among the Lebanese for war because the cost would be high.

On the other hand, he expressed his belief that the current situation “may represent an opportunity to address one of the most postponed matters between Lebanon and Israel, represented by the demarcation of the land borders in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, following the delineation of the maritime borders between the two sides."

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.