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.



GCC Secretary-General Praises Gulf-ASEAN Relations

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC Secretary-General Praises Gulf-ASEAN Relations

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi emphasized the strong and multifaceted relationship between the GCC and ASEAN countries during a roundtable discussion on "ASEAN's Journey Towards Unity: Lessons in Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation" at the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The roundtable was held on Tuesday at the invitation of the ASEAN organization.

Albudaiwi described the GCC-ASEAN relationship as successful, having developed over time. He cited the 2023 summit, where leaders from both blocs expressed their desire to strengthen ties, as reflected in the final communique.

Albudaiwi attributed the enduring and growing relationship to shared interests since their respective formations, significant economic and trade opportunities, and strong bilateral relations among member states.

He commended ASEAN as a model for regional cooperation, economic growth, and diplomatic stability, praising its diplomatic approach and multilateral cooperation in fostering unity amidst regional and global diversity.