GCC, Arab Parliament Hail Spain, Norway, and Ireland for Recognizing State of Palestine

A man holds the Palestinian flag during a protest in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in Mosul, Iraq, October 14, 2023. (Reuters)
A man holds the Palestinian flag during a protest in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in Mosul, Iraq, October 14, 2023. (Reuters)
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GCC, Arab Parliament Hail Spain, Norway, and Ireland for Recognizing State of Palestine

A man holds the Palestinian flag during a protest in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in Mosul, Iraq, October 14, 2023. (Reuters)
A man holds the Palestinian flag during a protest in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in Mosul, Iraq, October 14, 2023. (Reuters)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi has endorsed the recent recognition of Palestine by Spain, Ireland, and Norway.
In a statement on Wednesday, Albudaiwi said this recognition is "a major turning point" for the two-state solution and "a powerful nudge" for other countries to follow suit. 
Recognition of Palestine, he argued, would be a key step towards Palestinians finally securing all their rights and living freely, with justice and independence. This recognition comes after years of what Albudaiwi described as "suffering under Israeli occupation, facing constant injustice and rights violations."
Albudaiwi called on the international community to play its role in supporting the Palestinian people to obtain the full right to establish their state.
He also reaffirmed the firm stance of the GCC in support of the Palestinian cause and reaching a solution based on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Also, the Arab Parliament has expressed its appreciation for the new step.
In a statement, the parliament hailed this move as "a triumph for justice and a testament to the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state."
Emphasizing the growing global recognition of Palestine, the parliament asserted that such actions serve as a concrete response to "the failed endeavours of occupation forces aiming to eradicate the Palestinian cause—an objective that is destined to falter," SPA reported.
Reiterating its call, the Arab Parliament urged all nations that have yet to acknowledge the State of Palestine to take decisive steps towards recognition. Doing so, it emphasized, would constitute a vital stride towards rectifying the historical injustices endured by the Palestinian people throughout decades of occupation. The call aligns with the internationally recognized two-state solution, endorsed by numerous resolutions of international legitimacy.



Pilgrims Converge at Mount Arafat for Daylong Worship

15 June 2024, Saudi Arabia, Makkah: Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: Saudi Press Agency
15 June 2024, Saudi Arabia, Makkah: Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: Saudi Press Agency
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Pilgrims Converge at Mount Arafat for Daylong Worship

15 June 2024, Saudi Arabia, Makkah: Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: Saudi Press Agency
15 June 2024, Saudi Arabia, Makkah: Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. Photo: Saudi Press Agency

Muslims from around the world congregated Saturday at a sacred hill in Saudi Arabia for worship and reflection.

The ritual at Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is often the most memorable for pilgrims, who stand together asking God for mercy, blessings, prosperity and good health. The hill is about 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah.

Thousands of pilgrims walked there through the predawn darkness. On the slopes of the rocky hill and the surrounding area, many raised their hands in worship with tears streaming down their faces.

Most of the pilgrims at Mount Arafat carried umbrellas, while others sat in the shade. And, as at Mina and the Grand Mosque, cooling stations on the roads leading to the hill and in its surrounding areas sprayed pilgrims with water to help fight the heat, which had already climbed to 47C at Mount Arafat, according to Saudi metrological authorities.

Pilgrims will next travel nearby to a site known as Muzdalifa to collect pebbles that they will use in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil back in Mina. Many walk, while others use buses.

Pilgrims then return to Mina for three days, coinciding with the festive Eid al-Adha holiday. Afterward, they return to Makkah for a final circumambulation, known as Farewell Tawaf.