عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Peace Plan for Gaza

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairing the Cabinet session held in Riyadh on Tuesday (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairing the Cabinet session held in Riyadh on Tuesday (SPA).
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Peace Plan for Gaza

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairing the Cabinet session held in Riyadh on Tuesday (SPA).
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairing the Cabinet session held in Riyadh on Tuesday (SPA).

The Saudi Cabinet welcomed the US administration’s announcement of US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, rebuild the strip, and facilitate the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid.

The Cabinet also welcomed the president’s declaration that he would not allow the annexation of the West Bank by Israel.

During Tuesday's session in Riyadh, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Cabinet affirmed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to cooperate with the US to achieve a comprehensive agreement to halt the war in the Gaza Strip, ensure Israel’s complete withdrawal from the strip, and provide adequate, unrestricted humanitarian assistance.

The Cabinet emphasized that these efforts would support the pursuit of a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The session also reviewed the Kingdom’s efforts to increase the number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine, highlighting the growing international commitment to securing the right of the brotherly Palestinian people to self-determination.

In his statements to the Cabinet, the Crown Prince further expressed his thanks and appreciation to the leaders of brotherly and friendly countries for the sincere feelings they conveyed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the 95th National Day.

He offered praise and gratitude to Allah Almighty for the blessings bestowed upon this blessed nation, including its stability, prosperity, and development, as well as the unprecedented achievements it has realized along its path of progress, SPA reported.

Notably, during the session, the Cabinet reviewed recent overall state affairs, with a particular focus on efforts to strengthen relations with countries worldwide. It commended the positive outcomes of Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the Kingdom, during which the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement was signed to enhance defense cooperation between the two brotherly nations and promote security and peace in the region and beyond.

In a statement to SPA following the session, Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary emphasized the Cabinet's appreciation for the Saudi delegation's active participation in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly and the associated international meetings.

The minister stated that the Cabinet expressed appreciation for the election of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This election reflects the international community's confidence in the Kingdom's proactive role and its ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation in this field, promoting global development and peace.

The Cabinet also recognized the Kingdom's election to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), having secured 175 out of 184 votes, which reflects the member states’ recognition of the Kingdom’s leadership and contributions in aviation.

It affirmed that the inclusion of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve in UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program underscores the Kingdom's commitment to protecting natural environments and advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Additionally, the Cabinet praised the outcomes of the second edition of the Global Infrastructure Forum held in Riyadh, noting the extensive participation from various countries and the signing of agreements to foster a sustainable future in this vital sector, enhancing the quality of life and urban landscapes.

The meeting also reviewed developments in the water sector across all regions of the Kingdom, including the inauguration and foundation laying of 122 environmental, water, and agriculture projects in Eastern Region, with investments exceeding SAR28.8 billion. These projects aim to achieve environmental and water sustainability while strengthening production, storage, distribution, treatment, and water quality systems.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

With Saudi Backing, Yemen Moves to Forge Southern Consensus and Restore State Authority in the North

Members of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council meet with the Saudi Defense Minister. Saba
Members of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council meet with the Saudi Defense Minister. Saba
TT
TT

With Saudi Backing, Yemen Moves to Forge Southern Consensus and Restore State Authority in the North

Members of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council meet with the Saudi Defense Minister. Saba
Members of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council meet with the Saudi Defense Minister. Saba

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council took a series of far-reaching decisions on Thursday, including changes to its membership and the appointment of a new prime minister tasked with forming a new government, in a move aimed at reshaping power dynamics within the anti-Houthi camp and strengthening unified sovereign decision-making under declared Saudi support.

In a rapid sequence of decisions, the council revoked Faraj Al-Buhsani's membership, filled the resulting vacancies by appointing Lieutenant General Mahmoud Al-Subaihi and Dr. Salem Al-Khanbashi, accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Salem bin Braik’s government, and named Shaea Mohsen Al-Zandani to form a new cabinet.

The steps, which officials said were taken with Saudi Arabia playing a “decisive” role, are intended to normalize conditions in southern provinces, particularly Hadhramaut, and pave the way for a comprehensive south-to-south dialogue to be hosted in Riyadh.

The decision to strip Al-Buhsani of his membership in the Presidential Leadership Council was not merely a change in personnel, according to the legal reasoning published by official media, but a firm political and legal message.

The decision accused him of “breaching the principle of collective responsibility” and “challenging sovereign decisions.”

It said Al-Buhsani had “exploited his constitutional position to provide political and legal cover for illegal military movements” carried out by what it described as the dissolved Southern Transitional Council, including justifying the mobilization of forces from outside Hadhramaut to attack the province.

He was also accused of endorsing “unilateral measures” led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who has been referred to the public prosecutor on charges of high treason, actions that the decision said had contributed to undermining national unity.

The language of the ruling framed those actions as an “armed rebellion outside the framework of the state,” shifting the southern dispute from a political disagreement into a question of allegiance to state institutions and legitimacy.

The move was seen as a heavy blow to the dissolved Transitional Council and its supporters, reaffirming that southern demands must be pursued through constitutional and legal channels and through negotiations under Saudi sponsorship, rather than unilateral military action.

Rebalancing power

The appointment of Dr. Salem Al-Khanbashi, the governor of Hadhramaut, as a member of the Presidential Leadership Council while retaining his local post underscored the priority placed on stability in the oil-rich province.

In a previous interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Khanbashi said the Saudi position had been “decisive” in the rapid withdrawal of Southern Transitional Council forces from Hadhramaut.

His elevation to the council is seen as recognition of his recent efforts and is expected to strengthen the government camp’s ability to manage political and security conditions in Hadhramaut and across southern Yemen.

The appointment of Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Al-Subaihi, a veteran military commander, was viewed as bolstering the representation of the professional military establishment within the council and sending a reassuring message to forces fighting on the front lines against the Houthis.

Officials said it could also be a step toward unifying military formations under the Ministry of Defense, a key Saudi and international demand.

Accepting the government's resignation and appointing Al-Zandani to form a new cabinet was aimed at renewing government performance to meet the demands of a new phase, shifting from crisis management to rebuilding institutions and improving services.

The move coincided with Saudi Arabia’s announcement of $90 million in financial support to pay salaries, in addition to covering military wages starting Sunday.

Broader context

The latest Yemeni moves cannot be separated from Saudi Arabia’s regional role. Alongside the internal decisions, Riyadh announced a new development package for Yemen worth 1.9 billion Saudi riyals, or about $500 million, and preparations to host a south-to-south dialogue conference, while continuing efforts to reunify military forces.

The Saudi strategy, according to officials, centers on supporting Yemen’s legitimate authority to impose control, unify armed forces, end armed activity outside the state, and facilitate inclusive southern dialogue under its sponsorship to reach a unified vision addressing the southern issue.

Saudi Arabia has also continued its development and humanitarian efforts, linking political stability in Yemen to improved services and living conditions to restore public confidence in state institutions.

These developments come as UN envoy Hans Grundberg has warned of the truce's fragility, stressing that the future of the south cannot be imposed by force.

The changes appear aimed at forging a more cohesive and unified southern leadership capable of entering decisive negotiations over the shape of Yemen’s future state, before turning to the long-delayed settlement in the north, where the Houthis continue to obstruct regional and international efforts to end the conflict and re-enter a peace process to restore stability across Yemen.

Gulf

Saudi King Leaves Hospital after Reassuring Medical Tests

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
TT
TT

Saudi King Leaves Hospital after Reassuring Medical Tests

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

The Royal Court said on Friday that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud left King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh after completing medical examinations.

“The results were reassuring,” it said.

“May Allah protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and grant him continued health and well-being,” the statement added.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Start of the 2nd Phase of Gaza’s Comprehensive Peace Plan

FILE PHOTO: Palestinian girls walk past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the war, in Gaza City, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Palestinian girls walk past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the war, in Gaza City, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas/File Photo
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Start of the 2nd Phase of Gaza’s Comprehensive Peace Plan

FILE PHOTO: Palestinian girls walk past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the war, in Gaza City, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Palestinian girls walk past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the war, in Gaza City, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas/File Photo

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the announcement of the start of the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan, and the formation of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip as a temporary transitional body, established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2803.

It also welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of the Peace Council, and expressed its appreciation for his leadership and efforts to stop the war in Gaza, his commitment to withdraw the Israeli army, prevent the annexation of any part of the West Bank, and push towards sustainable peace in the region.

The ministry commended the efforts of the mediators, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye.

It stressed the importance of supporting the work of the Interim Palestinian National Committee to carry out its tasks in managing the daily affairs of the residents of the Gaza Strip, while maintaining the institutional and geographical link between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, ensuring the unity of Gaza, and rejecting any attempts to divide it.

The statement also stressed the need to establish the ceasefire, stop violations, ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, speed up the launch of early recovery and reconstruction efforts throughout Gaza, and prepare for the return of the Palestinian National Authority to assume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, leading to an end to the Israeli occupation of all Palestinian land in Gaza and the West Bank, and the embodiment of an independent Palestinian state in line with United Nations resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the principle of the two-state solution.