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Former Palestinian Minister Hails Kingdom's Hospitality for Families of Martyrs, Prisoners during Hajj

The initiative is part of the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance - SPA
The initiative is part of the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance - SPA
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Former Palestinian Minister Hails Kingdom's Hospitality for Families of Martyrs, Prisoners during Hajj

The initiative is part of the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance - SPA
The initiative is part of the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance - SPA

Former Palestinian Minister of Health Jawad Al-Tibi expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for hosting the families of Palestinian martyrs, prisoners, and wounded to perform Hajj, SPA reported.

The initiative is part of the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Al-Tibi praised the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to the pilgrims, the outstanding organization, the high level of services provided, and the facilitation offered to perform Hajj rituals in ease and tranquility.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Carries out Warning Strike on Yemen’s Hadhramaut, STC Says ‘Open to Coordination’

Southern forces patrol during a rally calling for South Yemen's independence, in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, 25 December 2025. (EPA)
Southern forces patrol during a rally calling for South Yemen's independence, in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, 25 December 2025. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Carries out Warning Strike on Yemen’s Hadhramaut, STC Says ‘Open to Coordination’

Southern forces patrol during a rally calling for South Yemen's independence, in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, 25 December 2025. (EPA)
Southern forces patrol during a rally calling for South Yemen's independence, in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen, 25 December 2025. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia called for calm in eastern Yemen, urging an end to unilateral military moves and for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces to return to their former positions outside of the Hadhramaut and al-Mahra provinces.

Riyadh, meanwhile, demonstrated its stance on the ground by carrying out a warning air strike, informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The strike sought to deliver a message that it will not allow a new status quo to be imposed on the ground by force and that it will not allow the violation of institutional frameworks that handle security in the eastern provinces.

It warned that any further escalation will be met with firmer measures.

Meanwhile, the STC, in an attempt to justify its military moves, said they were in “response to calls from residents of the south” and an attempt to confront terrorist threats and block Houthi smuggling routes.

The STC added that it was “open to any coordination or arrangements with Saudi Arabia”, questioning the airstrike, which it said “does not serve understandings.”

Observers told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia will welcome the coordination and arrangements if they helped end the escalation, led to the withdrawal of the STC and allowed the National Shield forces and the local authority to take over Hadhramaut and al-Mahra without needing to resort to force.

They stressed that the strike will lead to delivering the clear message that Riyadh may impose red lines by force to prevent any escalation.

Sourced told Asharq Al-Awsat that any future settlement over restoring the unity of Yemeni ranks will condition a return to the former status quo.

Gulf

GCC: Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Violates Int’l Law and Somalia’s Sovereignty

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi.
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GCC: Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Violates Int’l Law and Somalia’s Sovereignty

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

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland region, calling it a dangerous violation of international law and a clear infringement on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

He warned that such a move would undermine stability in the Horn of Africa and fuel tensions, contrary to regional and international efforts for peace, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Somalia’s security, stability, sovereignty, and unity, as stated in the final communiqué of the 164th GCC Ministerial Council.

He urged the international community to reject this action and refrain from recognizing any measures that threaten the unity of states or international legitimacy.

On Friday, Israel formally recognized the northern region of Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" -- the first country to do so.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Affirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty, Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Saudi Arabia Affirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty, Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

Saudi Arabia affirmed full support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday.

The statement also rejected Israel’s announcement that it formally recognizes the northern region of Somaliland as an independent state. It stressed that the move violates international law.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its rejection of any attempts to impose parallel entities that undermine the country’s unity, stressing its support for legitimate state institutions and its commitment to preserving the stability of the brotherly Somali people, the statement added.

On Friday, Israel formally recognized the northern region of Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" -- the first country to do so.