GCC Secretary-General: ICJ Ruling Affirms Israel’s Brutal Crimes against Palestinians in Gaza Strip

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. (SPA)
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. (SPA)
TT

GCC Secretary-General: ICJ Ruling Affirms Israel’s Brutal Crimes against Palestinians in Gaza Strip

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

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohammad Albudaiwi emphasized that the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling against Israel confirms its brutal crimes against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, SPA said on Saturday
Albudaiwi’s remarks came after an ICJ ruling amounted to an overwhelming rebuke of Israel's wartime conduct in a lawsuit filed by South Africa, saying that Israel in its war in the Gaza Strip may have violated the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
The secretary-general commended the Hague-based court for its accurate documentation of these crimes in its historic ruling, highlighting the court's commitment to continue following up on the case and make the appropriate decisions in the future based on Israel's adherence to the court's verdict.
“The International Court of Justice's verdict is in line with international laws and treaties related to the protection of innocent civilians, especially the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which Israel violated by targeting civilian institutions and hospitals, which led to the killing and injury of tens of thousands of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip,” Albudaiwi said.
The GCC chief commended the great and appreciated efforts exerted by the friendly Republic of South Africa and the distinguished legal team that prepared and followed up on the case.
Albudaiwi underscored the urgent need for the international community, through all its institutions and organizations, to ensure Israel's compliance with the ICJ’s verdict and to immediately stop the Israeli military machine's savage attacks on the Gaza Strip, as well as to halt the displacement of the brotherly Palestinian people and provide them with all necessary assistance and means for a decent life.
The secretary-general voiced the GCC member states’ commitment to supporting the Palestinian people in realizing their legitimate rights, based on the constants and foundations of resolving the Palestinian issue outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant international resolutions that call for the establishment of an independent and internationally-recognized state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.



Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
TT

Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)

The fourth Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2024 began in Riyadh on Wednesday. It is organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, in partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE).
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed participants on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two-day event, themed “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” has drawn leaders, policymakers, and experts from over 120 countries.
In a message read at the opening ceremony in Riyadh, the Crown Prince stated: “Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of individuals, and the stability of nations.”
According to SPA, he noted that due to the cross-border nature of cyberspace, it is essential to harmonize international efforts to seize the opportunities and “face the challenges it presents, by investing in people.”
Welcoming the participants, the Crown Prince said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a force for good for the benefit of humanity and human prosperity around the world.”
“It has continuously worked to uphold the principle of cooperation and strengthen international collaboration toward efforts that support development and prosperity for all nations. It has initiated several initiatives aimed at achieving these genuine goals in all sectors,” he noted.
“Believing in the importance of investing in people in this vital and promising domain, in 2020 we launched two global initiatives. The first relates to protecting children in cyberspace, and the second focuses on empowering women in the field of cybersecurity,” he added.
“The institute for the Global Cybersecurity Forum is entrusted with overseeing both initiatives, as well as implementing the associated projects,” affirmed the Crown Prince.
He highlighted the progress made by these initiatives, particularly the increased understanding of needs at the global level that has led to new and inspiring visions, enabling the GCF to develop impactful initiatives and programs, publish research and studies, and formulate new frameworks and strategies.
These efforts empower decision-makers worldwide to develop policies and programs that enhance child protection in cyberspace and promote women’s participation in the field of cybersecurity.
The first day of GCF 2024 featured discussions on five main topics: closing cybersecurity gaps, online behavior, the social structure of cyberspace, a thriving cyber economy, and new cyber opportunities.
Key officials, decision-makers, and experts from governments, academia, and global companies took part in the sessions.
The forum is a global platform that brings together leaders from governments, cybersecurity, academia, and NGOs. Its goal is to strengthen international cybersecurity, support economic and social development, and align global efforts in the field.