GCC Sec-Gen Condemns Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli Extremist Minister

Muslim worshippers walk in front of the Dome of the Rock ahead of Friday prayer in the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's Old City February 9, 2024. (Reuters)
Muslim worshippers walk in front of the Dome of the Rock ahead of Friday prayer in the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's Old City February 9, 2024. (Reuters)
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GCC Sec-Gen Condemns Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli Extremist Minister

Muslim worshippers walk in front of the Dome of the Rock ahead of Friday prayer in the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's Old City February 9, 2024. (Reuters)
Muslim worshippers walk in front of the Dome of the Rock ahead of Friday prayer in the al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's Old City February 9, 2024. (Reuters)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has strongly condemned the intrusion of an extremist minister from the Israeli occupation government into Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to a press release issued by the GCC Secretariat General, Secretary General Albudaiwi stated that the continuation of these illegal practices in the Palestinian territories represents a blatant provocation of the feelings of Muslims around the world and a flagrant violation of the rights of the Palestinian people.
"This reflects the Israeli occupation forces' deliberate disregard for all international laws and humanitarian charters and threatens the security and stability of the region," he pointed out, SPA reported.
Albudaiwi affirmed that encroaching on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Islamic holy sites and terrorising civilians has become a normal practice for the Israeli occupation government.
He stressed that this government does not respect international laws and regulations, does not believe in human rights, and pursues arrogant and inhumane policies that contradict the fundamental principles of justice and humanitarian values.

"This requires serious, prompt, and effective international action to guarantee the protection of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights."



Saudi Arabia Says Now Is Time for Syria’s Stability and Revival

The Saudi and Syrian delegations are seen at the meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Syrian delegations are seen at the meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Says Now Is Time for Syria’s Stability and Revival

The Saudi and Syrian delegations are seen at the meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Syrian delegations are seen at the meeting in Riyadh on Thursday. (SPA)

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said on Thursday that “it is about time for Syria to become stable,” underlining the need for its revival and for it to benefit from its own capabilities, most significantly its “brotherly people.”

He received in Riyadh a delegation from the new Syrian administration that included Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra.

Talks focused on the developments in Syria and ways to support its political transition to meet the aspirations of the people and ensure the country’s security, stability and territorial integrity.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is seen at the meeting on Thursday. (SPA)

In a post on the X platform, Prince Khalid said he held a “productive” meeting with the Syrian delegation.

“Our brothers and sisters in Syria have suffered from wars, destruction and challenging living conditions,” he added.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah also held a separate meeting with Shibani.

Syrian Defense Minister Asaad al-Shibani during the meeting with Prince Khalid. (SPA)

Shibani had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday on his first foreign visit since assuming his post.

His accompanying delegation also included chief of intelligence Anas Khattab.

In a post on X, Shibani hoped the visit would “open a new chapter in ties” between Syria and the Kingdom.