OIC Marks World Humanitarian Day, Urges Global Unity in Addressing Urgent Crises

Overcrowding of displaced Palestinians in areas declared unsafe by the Israeli forces after being classified as humanitarian areas in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip 16 August 2024. (EPA)
Overcrowding of displaced Palestinians in areas declared unsafe by the Israeli forces after being classified as humanitarian areas in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip 16 August 2024. (EPA)
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OIC Marks World Humanitarian Day, Urges Global Unity in Addressing Urgent Crises

Overcrowding of displaced Palestinians in areas declared unsafe by the Israeli forces after being classified as humanitarian areas in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip 16 August 2024. (EPA)
Overcrowding of displaced Palestinians in areas declared unsafe by the Israeli forces after being classified as humanitarian areas in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip 16 August 2024. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined on Sunday the global community to celebrate World Humanitarian Day, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of humanitarian workers.

The day honors those who risk their lives and well-being to save and protect others in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

This year, World Humanitarian Day underscores the pressing humanitarian challenges across the Islamic world, highlighting the need for coordinated and intensified efforts to tackle the multifaceted impacts of crises.

OIC reiterated its unwavering commitment to boosting and coordinating collective Islamic humanitarian initiatives rooted in Islamic principles in line with the organization's charter and resolutions aimed at responding to crises and developing effective mechanisms to that end.

Expressing gratitude to the member states, donors, and partners, OIC acknowledged their significant contributions in alleviating the adverse effects of crises on affected communities, including those hosting refugees.

In a bid to further mobilize resources, the OIC announced a donor conference, scheduled for October 26 aimed at assisting refugees and displaced persons in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.

The organization called on international partners to participate in this collective effort to improve the conditions of millions affected by humanitarian crises in these troubled areas.



Civil Defense Warns of Heavy Rains that Will Lash Saudi Arabia This Week

A view of Saudi Arabia's al-Baha after rainfall. (SPA)
A view of Saudi Arabia's al-Baha after rainfall. (SPA)
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Civil Defense Warns of Heavy Rains that Will Lash Saudi Arabia This Week

A view of Saudi Arabia's al-Baha after rainfall. (SPA)
A view of Saudi Arabia's al-Baha after rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense issued on Sunday a warning about heavy rainfall across parts of the Kingdom, starting Sunday and continuing until Thursday.

Residents are urged to avoid valleys and seasonal lakes.

The Makkah Region is expected to be hit the hardest, with heavy to moderate rainfall, flash floods, hailstorms, and strong winds that may cause sandstorms in Makkah City and Taif. Neighboring governorates, including Jeddah and Al-Lith, will experience lighter rainfall.

The Riyadh Region is forecast to receive moderate rainfall, and dusty conditions are expected in Al-Sulayyil and Wadi Al-Dawasir.

Madinah, Al-Baha, Aseer, and Jazan should expect moderate to heavy rains, while Hail, Najran, and the Eastern Region can expect lighter precipitation.

The Civil Defense stresses the need to follow the safety guidelines disseminated through various media outlets and social media.