GCC Welcomes UN Resolution Seeking ICJ Advisory Opinion on Israel’s Aid Obligations in Palestinian Territories

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
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GCC Welcomes UN Resolution Seeking ICJ Advisory Opinion on Israel’s Aid Obligations in Palestinian Territories

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi expressed his appreciation for the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of a resolution introduced by the Kingdom of Norway, in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and several other nations. The resolution calls for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's legal obligations regarding the actions of the United Nations and other states in their support of Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories.
According to a press release issued by the GCC General Secretariat on Saturday, Albudaiwi highlighted that the adoption of this resolution clearly underscores the international consensus in favor of supporting the Palestinian people as they confront the challenges they face. He emphasized that the resolution reaffirms global backing for the legitimate right of Palestinians to self-determination and to establish an independent state, ensuring the protection and respect of all their fundamental rights, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Albudaiwi also emphasized the final statement issued by the 45th GCC Supreme Council in December 2024, which reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and called for an end to the Israeli occupation. He reiterated the GCC's unwavering support for Palestinian sovereignty over all occupied territories and urged all nations to complete the procedures for recognizing the State of Palestine.
Additionally, Albudaiwi called for urgent collective action to secure a lasting solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.



Trump to Visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE on May 13-16, White House Says

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
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Trump to Visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE on May 13-16, White House Says

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)

President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will take place May 13-16, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday.

Trump would be traveling to the Middle East at a time of ongoing tensions with Iran, the Houthis in Yemen and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The Middle East would have been Trump’s first foreign destination since returning to the White House, but he will be heading to the Vatican to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia was the destination of Trump’s first foreign visit during his first term as president, underscoring the importance his administration places on the Kingdom’s regional and international role.

Trump had previously described his ties with the Middle East as “good”. He has constantly hailed the trade relations between the US and Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s role in establishing peace and stability in the region.

He has praised it for hosting American diplomatic efforts and facilitating ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump has underlined the size of Saudi investments in Amercian companies that amount to nearly $1 billion dollars and has boasted of his strong friendship with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Analysts have said Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE will be very significant and will witness the signing of several trade and military agreements.

The visit will also highlight Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Gaza war, while the US views the UAE as a strategic partner.