Saudi Arabia Calls for Holding Israel Accountable for its Violations

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Holding Israel Accountable for its Violations

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia called on Tuesday for holding Israeli forces responsible for their “systematic violations of international law and international humanitarian law.”

It reiterated the importance of the international community taking greater measures to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and protect the Palestinian people.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The government stressed that the Kingdom will continue to demand and sponsor peace and dedicate all of its efforts to achieve security and peace in the region.

The cabinet reviewed the latest regional and international developments. It was briefed on the message received by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, from the president of Costa Rica that tackled bilateral relations and means to develop them in various fields.

Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari said the cabinet discussed measures to develop vital and promising sectors, in line with Vision 2030 goals, with focus on boosting the Kingdom's global leadership and standing.

Focus is also placed on advancing the implementation of the National Biotechnology Strategy, which aims to strengthen national health care, further improve the quality of life, protect the environment, achieve food and water security, maximize economic opportunities, and promote local manufacturing.

The ministers underlined the Kingdom's commitment to developing the housing and real estate sector, improving its efficiency and boosting its contribution to the GDP. The cabinet commended the ambitious vision presented at the Real Estate Future Forum, which attracted visitors and officials from around the globe.



Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Establish Framework for Joint Coordination Council

 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a previous meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a previous meeting. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Establish Framework for Joint Coordination Council

 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a previous meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a previous meeting. (SPA)

Riyadh and Cairo are setting up the framework for the Saudi-Egyptian Higher Coordination Council, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said.

Experts told Asharq Al-Awsat the move strengthens political, economic, and development ties between the two nations.

In a televised statement on Thursday, Abdelatty said: “We are working on the council’s coordination structure,” highlighting the “strong strategic partnership and continuous cooperation” between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi signed an agreement in Cairo in October to establish the council, which they will co-chair.

In November, Egypt approved the council, saying it aims to strengthen cooperation and communication between the two countries in various fields.

Saudi journalist Khaled Al-Majrashi called the council a step toward deeper Saudi-Egyptian integration, focusing on investment and trade under the guidance of both nations’ leaders.

“The council sets a framework for future collaboration, particularly in areas like investment and trade, under the directives of both nations’ leaderships,” Al-Majrashi said, citing earlier remarks by Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi about his mandate to promote investment in Egypt.

Former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Rakha Ahmed Hassan said the council will remove obstacles to cooperation and deepen ties across all sectors.

Egyptian Senator Dr. Abdel Monem Said described Saudi Arabia and Egypt as the region’s “balancing pillars,” saying stronger cooperation is crucial to tackle regional challenges. He called the council a key step toward stability and joint action.

“No Arab country can face regional instability alone,” he said, adding that the council will help protect both nations from threats and improve coordination on shared challenges.

In September, Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said the council would deepen ties and boost cooperation in politics, trade, investment, and development.

Last month, Egypt’s government said the council will include officials from both sides, hold regular meetings in both countries, and replace the previous joint committee framework.