Saudi Arabia Welcomes ICJ Ruling against Israel

 Protesters hold a Palestinian flag as they gather outside the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as judges rule on emergency measures against Israel following accusations by South Africa that the Israeli military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide, in The Hague, Netherlands, January 26, 2024. (Reuters)
Protesters hold a Palestinian flag as they gather outside the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as judges rule on emergency measures against Israel following accusations by South Africa that the Israeli military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide, in The Hague, Netherlands, January 26, 2024. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes ICJ Ruling against Israel

 Protesters hold a Palestinian flag as they gather outside the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as judges rule on emergency measures against Israel following accusations by South Africa that the Israeli military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide, in The Hague, Netherlands, January 26, 2024. (Reuters)
Protesters hold a Palestinian flag as they gather outside the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as judges rule on emergency measures against Israel following accusations by South Africa that the Israeli military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide, in The Hague, Netherlands, January 26, 2024. (Reuters)

The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed on Friday the International Criminal Court’s (ICJ) ruling that imposes emergency measures against Israel over the war in Gaza.

The ICJ ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops from committing genocide, punish acts of incitement and take steps to improve the humanitarian situation as it wages war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

It stopped short of demanding a ceasefire and has not yet ruled on the core of the case brought by South Africa - whether genocide has occurred in Gaza. That ruling could take years.

Saudi Arabia underlined its categorical rejection of Israel’s practices and violations of the UN Convention on Genocide.

It hailed South Africa’s efforts in bringing the case against Israel, stressing the importance of the international community to take more measures to ensure a ceasefire is reached in Gaza

It must also provide more protection to the Palestinian people and hold Israeli forces accountable for all their systematic violations of international law and international humanitarian law.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.