GCC: Failure to Recognize Full UN Membership for Palestinians Does Not Help Achieve Peace

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi.
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GCC: Failure to Recognize Full UN Membership for Palestinians Does Not Help Achieve Peace

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi emphasized on Friday the GCC’s firm position in support of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state according to the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He urged the international community to work decisively and without delay to ensure the recognition of the State of Palestine and grant the Palestinian people their basic and legitimate rights in line with UN resolutions and international law.

Al-Budaiwi said the US veto of the Palestinian membership application to the UN is a step backward in the efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

He stressed that the UN Security Council must take serious steps to re-evaluate international mechanisms concerning peace, to ensure that peoples’ rights are respected and regional and global security and stability are safeguarded.

He stressed that all countries and international organizations must stand by justice and support efforts to restore rights and build a better future for all the peoples of the region and the world.



Saudi Arabia: No Diseases or Security Incidents Reported at Hajj

Muslims participate in a morning prayer around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in Makkah on June 6, 2025, to mark the start of the Eid al-Adha festival. (AFP)
Muslims participate in a morning prayer around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in Makkah on June 6, 2025, to mark the start of the Eid al-Adha festival. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia: No Diseases or Security Incidents Reported at Hajj

Muslims participate in a morning prayer around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in Makkah on June 6, 2025, to mark the start of the Eid al-Adha festival. (AFP)
Muslims participate in a morning prayer around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in Makkah on June 6, 2025, to mark the start of the Eid al-Adha festival. (AFP)

Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz announced on Thursday that no diseases or security incidents have been reported during this year’s Hajj.

The pilgrims traveled from the holy city of Makkah to Mina and later to Arafat smoothly and in line with operational plans, he stressed.

Their transport was held in record time, he revealed, while the pilgrims enjoyed integrated services provided by all concerned sectors.

Prince Saud added: “God Almighty honored the Saudi leadership, government and people with hosting the holy sites and serving its visitors.”

“This is a major responsibility that obligates us to fulfill with dedication” to meet the aspirations of the visitors, he added.

He highlighted the system of services that the Saudi government has provided to the pilgrims that has ensured that they carried out their rituals smoothly and safely.

He also highlighted the financial and human resources that have been dedicated to organizing the Hajj. They have been backed by massive projects and plans that are being overseen by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif so that the pilgrims can perform their rituals at ease.

Prince Saud called on the pilgrims to respect regulations and instructions because “your safety is our goal and serving you is our purpose.”