OIC, GCC Denounce Israeli Plans to Build More Colonial Units

This photograph shows the Israeli settlement of Efrata built on the land of the Palestinian town of Al-Khader in the Bethlehem governorate in the occupied West Bank on March 6, 2024. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
This photograph shows the Israeli settlement of Efrata built on the land of the Palestinian town of Al-Khader in the Bethlehem governorate in the occupied West Bank on March 6, 2024. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
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OIC, GCC Denounce Israeli Plans to Build More Colonial Units

This photograph shows the Israeli settlement of Efrata built on the land of the Palestinian town of Al-Khader in the Bethlehem governorate in the occupied West Bank on March 6, 2024. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
This photograph shows the Israeli settlement of Efrata built on the land of the Palestinian town of Al-Khader in the Bethlehem governorate in the occupied West Bank on March 6, 2024. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) denounced on Thursday Israel’s plan to build 3,500 new settlement units in the West Bank.
The OIC condemned “Israel’s continued colonial policies in the occupied Palestinian territories, the latest of which was approving the establishment of 3,500 new colonial units”.
In a press statement on its website, the OIC stressed that Israel’s colonial policies are illegal and unlawful under international law, the Geneva convention and the related UN resolutions.
It voiced calls on the international community to shoulder their responsibility and help put an end to the crimes and violations committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinians and the holy land of Jerusalem .
On his part, Secretary-General of the GCC Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi denounced Israel’s decision to build the settlements.
The decision “affirms the Israeli forces’ lack of respect for laws and international and UN resolutions” the GCC Secretariat General said in a statement quoting Albudaiwi.
He concluded saying that such decisions only negatively affect stability and security in the region and the world, and also diminish the prospects for peace.



Baghdad, Manama Keen to ‘Unify Stances’ on Regional Issues

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi meet in Manama on Wednesday. (BNA)
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi meet in Manama on Wednesday. (BNA)
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Baghdad, Manama Keen to ‘Unify Stances’ on Regional Issues

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi meet in Manama on Wednesday. (BNA)
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi meet in Manama on Wednesday. (BNA)

Bahrain said on Wednesday that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi condemned "the Iranian aggression against the Kingdom" during his official visit to Manama, following meetings with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Prime Minister's office said that Al-Zaidi met the Bahraini monarch during his visit to the capital, extending an invitation for the King to visit Iraq, while stressing that the trip aims to revive historical ties between the two nations.

Al-Zaidi underscored efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation across economic, investment, commercial, political, and social sectors, stressing that both countries share common security interests and must unify their stances on regional and international issues.

He stressed the importance of working to achieve regional stability and prioritizing dialogue to establish peace and end tensions.

For his part, the King of Bahrain said the PM’s visit is a step that will open new horizons for relations between the two countries.

He underlined his country's support for the Iraqi government, highlighting the importance of working to achieve security and stability, maintain mutual interests, and consolidate bilateral relations to boost joint Arab action.

The Bahrain News Agency reported that King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed his appreciation for the Iraqi Prime Minister's efforts and commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and deepening solid ties with the Kingdom. The King also praised Iraq's supportive stance, solidarity with Bahrain, and condemnation of the Iranian aggression that targeted the Kingdom.

Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, underscored the deep-rooted historical ties connecting Bahrain and Iraq, noting their continuous progress.

He highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts to strengthen and develop joint cooperation and coordination across various fields, steering relations toward broader horizons to achieve mutual goals and aspirations.


Saudi Crown Prince, Syrian President Discuss Regional Developments

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Syrian President Discuss Regional Developments

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, receives Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday for talks on regional developments and issues of common interest. 

They reviewed bilateral relations and means to develop them and bolster cooperation between their countries in various fields. 

Al-Sharaa had arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Wednesday on an official visit.

Leading a delegation of senior officials, including the ministers of defense, finance, foreign affairs, finance and industry, he is set to hold bilateral talks focused on bolstering relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Talks are also set to tackle regional issues of common interest.

Al-Sharaa was received at King Khalid International Airport by Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Riyadh Region Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, and Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, the accompanying minister, along with several officials.

This visit comes at a critical juncture amid intensive regional diplomatic activity. Riyadh and Damascus are seeking to coordinate joint positions, particularly regarding security issues and counter-terrorism. Furthermore, the two capitals aim to activate economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities in industry and trade to support regional stability and development efforts.


Coalition Destroys Three Drones Fired at Saudi Arabia

Three drones were intercepted and downed over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Three drones were intercepted and downed over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
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Coalition Destroys Three Drones Fired at Saudi Arabia

Three drones were intercepted and downed over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. (Saudi Defense Ministry)
Three drones were intercepted and downed over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. (Saudi Defense Ministry)

Official Spokesperson of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said that a drone launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Southern Region was intercepted and destroyed.

Another drone was downed in the Eastern Region and another in the Makkah Region, he added.

The Saudi Civil Defense also announced early Wednesday morning that a threat to the Riyadh Region had passed, shortly after activating an early emergency warning system as part of standard hazard alert procedures.