Arab League Condemns Israel's Undermining of UN, Humanitarian Organizations Work in Gaza

File photo of a previous meeting of the Arab League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
File photo of a previous meeting of the Arab League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Arab League Condemns Israel's Undermining of UN, Humanitarian Organizations Work in Gaza

File photo of a previous meeting of the Arab League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
File photo of a previous meeting of the Arab League (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Council of the Arab League condemned the Israeli occupying forces for undermining the work of the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, including bombing the centers and headquarters of UNRWA, classifying it as a terrorist organization, and seeking to end its missions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In a statement following a meeting of the permanent representatives of its extraordinary session, the Council of the Arab League stressed that Israel has committed brutal acts against the Palestinians in a manner that is unprecedented in modern history by exterminating and burning civilians and destroying all forms of life in the Gaza Strip while disregarding international law, UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) measures and advisory opinions, SPA reported.
The council said that the forced displacement of Palestinians, especially from the northern Gaza Strip, represents the beginning of the Palestinian people's displacement outside their lands and the exacerbation of their suffering.
It added that the failure of the international system to stop Israeli crimes constitutes a stain on humanity and the international order, calling for the activation of the advisory opinion of the ICJ regarding the illegality of the Israeli occupation.
The Council of the Arab League urged the ICJ to expedite the adjudication of the genocide lawsuit against the Israeli occupying power and called on the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against the Israeli prime minister and his defense minister.
The Council also called for implementing its decisions that include the suspension of Israel's participation in the UN General Assembly.
The Arab League Council also condemned the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, stressing the need to support Lebanon's efforts in the international community to pressure Israel to immediately cease fire and implement Security Council Resolution 1701, which Beirut has expressed readiness to implement immediately.
The Council also condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and the targeting of civilians and residential areas, stressing its support for Syria in exercising its right to defend its land and people.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.