Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Israeli Attack on Syria's Koya 

Members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent help locals evacuate the town of Koya in the western countryside on the Syrian border with Israel, after Israeli forces shelled the town, Syria, 25 March 2025. (EPA)
Members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent help locals evacuate the town of Koya in the western countryside on the Syrian border with Israel, after Israeli forces shelled the town, Syria, 25 March 2025. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Israeli Attack on Syria's Koya 

Members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent help locals evacuate the town of Koya in the western countryside on the Syrian border with Israel, after Israeli forces shelled the town, Syria, 25 March 2025. (EPA)
Members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent help locals evacuate the town of Koya in the western countryside on the Syrian border with Israel, after Israeli forces shelled the town, Syria, 25 March 2025. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Tuesday Israel for attacking the Syrian town of Koya that left at least six people dead.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministery reiterated the Kingdom's firm rejection of Israel's continued attempts to undermine Syria and the region's security and stability through blatant and repeated violations of international law.

It expressed the Kingdom's solidarity with Syria in the face of the unjustified Israeli aggression. Moreover, the Kingdom stressed the need for UN Security Council member states to take a serious and firm stance against these ongoing violations and activate international accountability mechanisms.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
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Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.