Six-Party Ministerial Meeting Convenes in Riyadh to Discuss Israeli War in Gaza Strip

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh - SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh - SPA
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Six-Party Ministerial Meeting Convenes in Riyadh to Discuss Israeli War in Gaza Strip

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh - SPA
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh - SPA

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, chaired the six-party Consultative Ministerial meeting with the United States in Riyadh on Monday.

The meeting focused on discussing the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and the latest developments. The attendees emphasized the urgency of achieving an immediate and complete ceasefire to end the war while ensuring the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.

They also deliberated on strategies to eliminate all impediments restricting the entry of humanitarian aid into all areas of the Strip to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed the efforts undertaken by the Arab Six-Party countries to support the international recognition of the Palestinian state, aiming to fulfill the aspirations of the Palestinian people for an independent and sovereign state based on the borders of June 4, 1967. The participants underscored the importance of taking irreversible measures to implement the two-state solution, in alignment with relevant international resolutions.

Among the attendees were Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Dr. Saud Al-Sati, Advisor to the Ministry Dr. Manal Radwan, and Director of the Arab Levant Department Mohammed Al-Harbi.

Also, other attendees included Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Sameh Shoukri, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein Al-Sheikh; and Secretary of State of the United States Antony Blinken.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.