Riyadh Summit Condemns Gaza ‘Genocide’, Mobilizes Int’l Support to Isolate Israel

Arab and Islamic leaders at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on Monday. (dpa)
Arab and Islamic leaders at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on Monday. (dpa)
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Riyadh Summit Condemns Gaza ‘Genocide’, Mobilizes Int’l Support to Isolate Israel

Arab and Islamic leaders at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on Monday. (dpa)
Arab and Islamic leaders at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on Monday. (dpa)

Arab and Islamic leaders condemned on Monday the “genocide” committed by Israel in Gaza.

Meeting in Riyadh for the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit, they declared that they will “mobilize international support to suspend Israel’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly and its affiliates.”

In a closing statement, they added that they will work to garner international support for the state of Palestine to become a full member of the UN.

Moreover, they called on all countries to impose an arms embargo on Israel and demanded the UN Security Council to issue a resolution that “obligates Israel to end its illegal policies that threaten the region’s security and peace.”

The gatherers strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing assault on Lebanon, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

They accused the Israeli army of “committing genocide” in its war on Hamas in Gaza, condemning the “horrific and shocking crimes” against the Palestinian people.

They also noted the “the mass graves, torture, forced disappearance, field executions, looting and ethnic cleansing, especially in northern Gaza.”

The summit called for providing “full international support and protection to the Palestinian people and state of Palestine.”

It hoped the Palestinians would achieve national unity and that the united body would effectively assume its responsibilities throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

It reiterated the demand for “full Palestinian sovereignty over occupied east Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Palestine”, adding that the “Al-Aqsa Mosque is a red line”.

The summit condemned “hostile Israeli measures against Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem and attempts to change their identity,” calling on the international community to intervene and put a stop to it.



UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
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UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission

The United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a Saudi-drafted resolution aimed at enhancing child protection in the digital realm, a move rooted in a global initiative launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The resolution, introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and international organizations in Geneva, seeks to advance the goals of the Kingdom’s “Child Protection in Cyberspace” initiative.

It aims to translate the initiative’s vision into concrete action through enhanced technical cooperation and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, presented the draft during the Council’s 59th session under Agenda Item 10, which focuses on technical assistance and capacity development.

The proposal received broad support and was adopted by consensus, with co-sponsorship from Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam.

Addressing the Council, Khothaila stressed that the digital space has become an integral part of children’s lives, offering immense opportunities for learning and connection, while also exposing them to growing risks.

He underscored the need for stronger international cooperation, national capacity building, and technical support to reinforce national frameworks aimed at child protection.

The resolution reflects the core objectives of the Crown Prince’s initiative, including fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, raising awareness, and equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills to ensure a safer digital environment for children.

It also highlights the importance of tailoring technical assistance to the specific needs and priorities of each country, with the aim of building sustainable national capacities and enhancing communities’ ability to respond to digital threats facing children.

The resolution underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting global cooperation for a secure and inclusive digital space for children worldwide, in line with its leadership role and pioneering efforts in cybersecurity and child protection.