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.”



21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
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21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)

The second ministerial meeting of the Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies in the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted in Doha over two days, witnessed the signing of the Makkah Agreement on cooperation among OIC member states in combating corruption by 21 member states.

The large number of signatories on the same day represents a historic milestone, expected to expedite the ratification process and bring the agreement into force. This development underscores the member states’ awareness of the dangers posed by corruption and related crimes, as well as their commitment to strengthening cooperation in addressing these challenges.

In this context, the OIC General Secretariat called on the remaining member states to promptly sign and ratify the Makkah Agreement on anti-corruption cooperation, emphasizing its importance in establishing a framework for collective action against this serious threat.

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between anti-corruption authorities, ensuring efficient and timely operations. It also advocates for joining the Riyadh Global Initiative (GlobE Network), which provides a legal framework for the direct and swift exchange of information and investigations. This initiative is expected to prevent corruption and limit safe havens for corrupt individuals.

Mazin Al-Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to making anti-corruption a core pillar of its Vision 2030.

Speaking at the second ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities from the OIC member states, Al-Kahmous highlighted the far-reaching consequences of cross-border corruption on Islamic societies and their development. He underscored that united efforts at the local and international levels are crucial for fostering prosperity and supporting the sustainable development goals of Islamic nations.

Al-Kahmous further recalled Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting and presiding over the first ministerial meeting, which led to the adoption of the Makkah Agreement that he described as an ideal framework for enhancing anti-corruption efforts and strengthening international collaboration in this area.

He also welcomed the adoption of a Saudi-proposed resolution encouraging cooperation between OIC member states, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other relevant organizations to develop methodologies and indicators for measuring corruption.

The first ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities in OIC member states was convened by Saudi Arabia during its chairmanship of the 14th Islamic Summit. Organized in collaboration with the OIC, the event brought together leaders of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies, international organizations, and a distinguished group of local and global experts.