GCC, MWL Condemn Israeli Attack on Syria’s Koya 

This picture taken from Israel-occupied Golan Heights along the border with southern Syria shows smoke billowing above the Syrian village of Koya during Israeli bombardment, on March 25, 2025. (AFP)
This picture taken from Israel-occupied Golan Heights along the border with southern Syria shows smoke billowing above the Syrian village of Koya during Israeli bombardment, on March 25, 2025. (AFP)
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GCC, MWL Condemn Israeli Attack on Syria’s Koya 

This picture taken from Israel-occupied Golan Heights along the border with southern Syria shows smoke billowing above the Syrian village of Koya during Israeli bombardment, on March 25, 2025. (AFP)
This picture taken from Israel-occupied Golan Heights along the border with southern Syria shows smoke billowing above the Syrian village of Koya during Israeli bombardment, on March 25, 2025. (AFP)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi strongly condemned the Israeli attack on the Syrian town of Koya on Tuesday.

In a statement, Albudaiwi said the attack is an extension of Israel’s aggressive policy of undermining security and stability in the region.

He referred to a statement issued by the Ministerial Council of the GCC in its 163rd session that emphasized the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The security and stability of Syria are essential pillars for the stability of the region's security, as well as for maintaining regional and international peace and security, he stressed.

Moreover, he underlined the need for the international community to fulfill its responsibilities to stop these repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and called for the withdrawal from all occupied Syrian lands.

The Muslim World League (MWL) also condemned the attack.

In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa slammed Israel's violation of international laws and norms and its actions that are destabilizing Syria and the region.

He called on the international community to take immediate and decisive action against these dangerous violations.

He expressed full solidarity with Syria and its people against all threats to its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.



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.