Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Attack on UNRWA School in Gaza

 Palestinians carry away the body of a person killed in an Israeli strike in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on July 17, 2024. (AFP)
Palestinians carry away the body of a person killed in an Israeli strike in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on July 17, 2024. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Attack on UNRWA School in Gaza

 Palestinians carry away the body of a person killed in an Israeli strike in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on July 17, 2024. (AFP)
Palestinians carry away the body of a person killed in an Israeli strike in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on July 17, 2024. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Thursday Israel’s targeting of the Al-Razi United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) school in the Nuseirat refugee camp and its attack on the Attar area in Khan Younis in Gaza.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attacks were part of the Israeli war machine's series of violations against defenseless civilians.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm rejection of the ongoing Israeli genocidal crimes, calling for an immediate ceasefire, ensuring the protection of civilians, humanitarian facilities, and those working in them.

“The Kingdom holds the Israeli forces fully responsible for their continued breach of all international humanitarian and legal norms,” said the statement.

“Furthermore, the Kingdom emphasized the legal, humanitarian, and moral responsibility placed on the international community to activate mechanisms of international accountability and put an end to these ongoing violations of international law and legitimate resolutions by Israeli forces.”

Saudi Arabia warned that “the persistent failure to take these measures not only reflects the weakness and impotence of international institutions but could also lead to further consequences, undermining the foundations and credibility of international legitimacy, as well as our ability to safeguard regional and global security and stability in the future.”



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.